Conservatives have sought to link the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore to diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Black Americans say „DEI“ has been co-opted as a racial slur after conservatives sought to blame diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives for the deadly Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore.
Authorities say a cargo ship lost control and struck one of the bridge’s supports, causing it to collapse. Two of the construction workers who were on the bridge were rescued. The bodies of two missing construction workers were recovered on Wednesday, while four others are still missing and presumed dead.
DEI programs have become a frequent target of right-wing activists in recent years, and Republican lawmakers are backing dozens of bills targeting DEI initiatives at universities and other public institutions.
Some sought to cast Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, who is Black, as a diversity hire, despite him being elected to office with more than 70 percent of the vote in a city with a predominantly Black population.
He was dubbed Baltimore’s „DEI mayor“ in one post on X, formerly Twitter, by a verified account with almost 300,000 followers. It has amassed more than 25 million views.
„I know, and we know, and you know very well, that Black men, and young Black men in particular, have been the bogeyman for those who are racist and think that only straight, wealthy white men should have a say in anything,“ he said.
