In response to today’s news, Derrick Johnson, President & CEO of the NAACP, issued the following statement:
The Alabama government’s failure to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion is deeply concerning. It appears to be part of an agenda that undermines progress and aims to return to a time when Black students and teachers faced discrimination and limited opportunities in education. We cannot allow history to repeat itself. The NAACP is fully committed to employing various strategies, including advocacy, mobilization, and legal action, to ensure that our young people receive the support and resources they deserve. However, we cannot achieve this alone. It is crucial for our community to unite and utilize our collective power to steer justice in the right direction. This fight is ongoing, and it is essential to consider which side of history you will align yourself with.
The NAACP recently wrote a letter to the NCAA, encouraging Black athletes to reconsider their choice of predominantly white colleges and universities that do not prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion. The letter specifically addressed Florida universities, highlighting the substantial profits generated from the talents of Black athletes who compete in schools across the state. Notably, the University of Alabama, known for its prominent college football program, recorded a staggering $50 million in football-related revenue during the 2022 fiscal year.
