'Always about race or gender': Internet slams Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott as he claims DEI label is being weaponized by racists

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND: Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has ignited a national firestorm by alleging that his critics are using the term DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) as a racist dog whistle to attack successful Black leaders like himself.

In a recent interview on MSNBC's 'The ReidOut', Scott, who won over 70% of the vote in the 2020 mayoral election, accused opponents of weaponizing the DEI label as a modern-day substitute for the N-word, as per Daily Mail.

DEI initiatives are aimed at increasing workforce diversity and representation

"We know what they want to say, but they don't have the courage to say the N-word," Scott told Reid. "I know and you know that Black men and young Black men, in particular, have been the boogeymen, and for those who are racist and think only straight, wealthy white men should have a say in anything."

DEI initiatives, aimed at increasing workforce diversity and representation, have faced backlash from critics who argue they promote reverse discrimination against better-qualified candidates. Some have even labeled the acronym as 'Didn't Earn It', a jab at the perceived unfair advantages granted to underrepresented groups.

Brandon Scott vowed to challenge comfort of those who oppose diversity

However, Scott firmly rejected this notion, asserting that in his case, DEI stands for "Duly Elected Incumbent." He expressed pride in his heritage and vowed to challenge the comfort of those who oppose diversity and inclusion.

"The fact that I don't believe in their untrue and wrong ideology and the fact that I am very proud of my heritage and who I am and where I come from scares them," Scott stated.

"Because me being in my position means that their way of thinking, their way of life being comfortable while everyone else suffers is going to be at risk, and they should be afraid because that is my purpose in life."

Internet ablaze with critical reactions

Following Scott's assertion that racists are weaponizing the term DEI, the internet has been ablaze with critical reactions to his comments. One user on X expressed skepticism, stating, "I'm sure he also thinks the white liberals who voted for him are also racist in some form or another."

Another commenter framed the issue through a partisan lens, remarking, "It's always about race or gender with the Democrats. If conservatives oppose a black mayor then we are considered racist."

Another user accused Scott of playing the race card and deflecting from legitimate concerns about DEI policies, asserting, "Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is now playing the race card because he has no defense for the racism of DEI. He’s projecting his own racism. It’s a typical Democrat ploy. DEI prioritizes race over merit. That’s racism. To call someone racist for recognizing that is silly."

Another detractor argued, "DEI didn’t get him elected. He got elected. Period. He got the votes. This is just his insecurity on display because he doesn’t think he deserves the job. And that, my friends, is the problem with DEI. It causes people to feel lesser because they’re perceived as lesser."

One individual pointed out, "A Black television host and Black Mayor exchanging nonsense about how racist our country is. Yes, just look at how oppressed they both are!" Another user shifted the focus to broader societal issues, stating, "Baltimore is in freefall. According to officials, it's white people who are the problem."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.