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.
But it’s an important one as the recent legislation has directly targeted women and communities of color, the latter being a growing population that has, according to the 2020 census, driven 95% of Texas’ population growth.
“The continued attacks on people of color in the state of Texas are reprehensible,” said Bledsoe. “In the absence of federal action, advocates in Texas must stand together and use all of the tools at their disposal to ensure that basic human rights are delivered to the people of Texas. We must fight for our Constitution and the freedoms that it guarantees to all Americans.”
The NAACP’s plea to the sports community was direct and pulled no punches.
If you are considering signing in Texas, I ask you to ensure that owners are upholding their responsibility of protecting you, the athlete, and your family. I ask you to use your influence to help protect the constitutional rights of each individual at risk.
We have already seen private industries eliminate Texas from their list for potential business, and multi-billion dollar corporations, such as Salesforce, offering to relocate employees, citing amoral responsibility to their employees and society. Now is the time to discuss legislation at all levels, ask owners to protect their athletes, and demand that our democracy is upheld.
Texas lawmakers have destroyed the state’s moral compass by passing these laws. In return, we are asking that you seek employment with sports teams located in states that will protect, honor and serve your families with integrity.
We are now pleading with you — if you are a free agent and are considering employment inTexas, look elsewhere. The Texas government will not protect your family. Demand that Texasowners invest in your rights and protect your investments. Texas is not safe for you, your spouse, or your children. Until the legislation is overturned, Texas isn’t safe for anyone.
You can read the entire letter here.
