Texas has enacted a sweeping number of restrictions, adversely affecting large parts of the state’s population.
From restrictions on voting and a woman’s right to choose to overtly biased redistricting, the GOP-controlled state is hypocritically limiting and diluting freedoms while claiming to fight for freedom.
Now the Texas NAACP is stepping in to make a bold statement aimed at athletes.
Their cry? If you’re a free agent, don’t come to Texas.
The civil rights organization wrote a letter, signed by NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson and NAACP Texas President Gary Bledsoe, and sent it to the player’s organizations of the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB and NHL.
In their letter, the organization implored free agents in these sports to skip the Lone Star State.
“We must stand up for what is right and protect our loved ones from the dangerous attacks on freedoms taking place in Texas,” wrote Johnson.
The powerful plea addresses the unjust actions enacted by Texas’ Republican administration.
“As we watch an incomprehensible assault on basic human rights unfold in Texas, we are simultaneously witnessing a threat to constitutional guarantees for women, children and marginalized communities,” wrote Johnson and Bledsoe. “Over the past few months, legislators in Texas have passed archaic policies, disguised as laws, that directly violate privacy rights and a woman’s freedom to choose, restrict access to free and fair elections for Black and brown voters, and increase the risk of contracting coronavirus. If you are a woman, avoid Texas. If you are Black, avoid Texas. If you want to lower your chances of dying from coronavirus, avoid Texas.”
This is an unprecedented move, especially in a state as sports-crazed as Texas.
Continue reading over at First and Pen.
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