GOP governor slammed for celebrating Black History Month after banning diversity programs

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox was on the receiving end of backlash after he made a post on social media celebrating Black History Month just two days after signing a bill to ban diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, programs across the state, The Salt Lake Tribune reported.

In a post to his official account, Cox wrote: “We honor the resilience, courage and contributions African Americans have made to our state and nation. We celebrate Black communities and remain committed to improving access to opportunity.”

But in the comment thread beneath the post, people slammed the governor for what they say are his contradictory stances.

“The gall you have to have to post this today,” one person wrote.

Also read: Republican lawmaker suggests immigrants should be thrown out of helicopters

“How are you not completely mortified by the anti-Black legislation you just signed a few days ago? That will be your legacy,” another added.

According to the Tribune, the number of comments criticizing the governor were far greater than comments from his supporters.

Cox has made no secret of his desire to dismantle DEI programs in the state's educational and governmental institutions.

From the Tribune: "Starting in July, public schools will be required to remove references to diversity from their offices and open programs to all individuals, rather than support a specific underserved race."

After previously supporting DEI efforts, Cox changed his tune in the fall and has since then been speaking out against the programs, saying they are “doing more to divide us than to bring us together.”

Read the full report over at The Salt Lake Tribune.