Black Maryland leaders on Sunday swatted away attacks referencing “DEI” from critics on the other side of the aisle amid the fallout of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse as “foolishness” and “racism.”
Gov. Wes Moore, 45, is a Democrat and the first black governor of Maryland as well as the third black governor elected in US history. He seemed eager to avoid dwelling or engaging with Republicans who used the term for diversity, equality and inclusion while slamming the response to the disaster.
“My response is I have no time for foolishness. I’m locked in. I’m making sure that we can get closure and comfort to these families,” Moore told CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday.
“I’m making sure that we are going to open up this channel and be able to get boats and ships and get our economic engine going again,” he added. “And I’m making sure that we’re going to get the Key Bridge rebuilt. I have no time for foolishness, and so I’m not going to delve into it.”
Shortly after the container ship Dali lost control and rammed into a pier and collapsed the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the wee morning hours last Tuesday, some pols blamed diversity.
“This is what happens when you have Governors who prioritize diversity over the wellbeing and security of citizens,” Utah state rep and gubernatorial hopeful Phil Lyman posted on X.
Florida Republican congressional hopeful Anthony Sabatini wrote, “DEI did this.”
Conservatives have long groused about DEI, in which government and workplaces seek to shore up diversity, arguing instead for race-neutral practices.
While Moore sought to steer clear of dwelling on the controversy and to train his attention on cleanup efforts instead, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, 39, who is black, confronted it head-on.
“I am a young black man and young black mayor in this country. We know that there are a lot of racism, folks who don’t think I should be in this job,” Scott told CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday.
“I didn’t want to be out there that night answering questions about DEI. I’m worried about the loss of life. We know how ridiculous that is. Those folks are afraid as I said this week, to use the N-word. This should not be even in conversation.”
When asked about Scott’s response and whether the chatter about DEI being a factor in the bridge collapse was racism, Moore demurred.
“My focus is on making sure these families are getting the comfort and the closure that they need. Making sure that our first responders are getting the supports that they need,” Moore replied, rattling through his priorities.
“I frankly do not have time to be able to deal with anything else. I’m locked in. And I’m focused on what matters right now.”
Currently, the entry point in the Port of Baltimore has effectively shuddered, upending a passageway where some $80 billion — 1.1 million containers — in cargo flowed during 2023.
An estimated 8,000 people work at the port.
Experts anticipate that construction of a new bridge could cost a minimum of $400 million, according to the Associated Press.
At the moment a timeline for clearing the debris and building a new bridge remains unclear. The bridge once ran roughly 1.6 miles over the Patapsco River.
“This is a national economic catastrophe as well,” Moore stressed. “This is going to impact the farmer in Kentucky. This is going to impact the auto dealer in Ohio. This is going to impact a restaurant owner in Tennessee.”
