An Alabama mayor said he would tell Black athletes and parents to look for other colleges outside the state if lawmakers passed an anti-DEI bill, but he remained silent as officials did just that.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said Wednesday from FOX News Digital after Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill banning diversity, equity and inclusion programs in public schools, universities and state agencies. did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
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Mayor Randall Woodfin of Birmingham, Alabama attends Morehouse College’s 34th Annual “A Candle In The Dark” Gala at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta on February 19, 2022 in Atlanta. (Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
“To the parents of minority athletes who are helping decide whether or not to play sports at these facilities: Are you okay with your child playing at a school where diversity among the staff is actively suppressed? ” he wrote to X on February 21st.
“While I am a huge Bama fan, I have no problem organizing Black parents and athletes to attend other out-of-state facilities where diversity and inclusion are a priority.”
Woodfin did not respond to a question from Fox News Digital about whether he stands by his statements about X.
The law restricts public universities from teaching “contradictory concepts” about race and gender, and requires transgender students to use restrooms that correspond to their biological sex.
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Alabama Crimson Tide No. 4 Jalen Milroe stands on the side in front of Auburn Tigers No. 15 defensive lineman Keldrick Faulk on November 25, 2023 at Jordan Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. Run through the line. (Michael Chan/Getty Images)
The bill defines a “divisive concept” as casting “fault, blame, or prejudice” on anyone regardless of race, religion, gender, or nationality.
A person is “inherently responsible for acts committed in the past” based on race, religion, or religion, or a person “accepts, acknowledges, or affirms guilt, complicity, or the need for an apology.” A concept that includes the teaching that one should , or “agree.” The law also considers gender and background to be divisive.
DEI programs and discussions are still allowed on campus as long as they do not use state funds.
“My administration has and will continue to value Alabama’s rich diversity, but a small number of bad actors on college campuses, or for that matter anywhere else, are using taxpayer funds. I refuse to allow DEI acronyms to promote their liberal agenda, a political movement that goes against what the majority of Alabamians believe,” Ivey said in a statement.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey speaks to supporters after winning reelection in Montgomery, Alabama, November 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Vasya Hunt)
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The law will go into effect on October 1st.
Fox News’ Landon Mion and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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