Health and Wellness
Utah state legislator blames Baltimore bridge collapse on diversity
Rick Bowmer/AP File
State Representative Phil Lyman of Utah, the Republican candidate for governor, sparked controversy when he made inflammatory remarks linking diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts to the tragic accident involving a container ship and the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, through which six people died. persons are presumed dead.
“This is what happens when we have governors who put diversity ahead of the well-being and safety of their citizens,” Lyman said post on X
His post included a retweet from the Federation of Young Conservatives: “Let’s meet the port commissioners of Baltimore, starting with Karenthia A. Barber. He doesn’t know anything about Ports, but he’s an auditor and consultant for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB).
The post was accompanied by a photograph and biography of Barber, a black woman.
Lyman then posted this sentence: “DEI=DIE.” suggesting a negative relationship between diversity initiatives and accident.
Hairdresser, certainly one of six commissioners oversees the Port of Baltimore, has a wide range of experience, including DEI training, university teaching experience, and serving as the primary female president of the Maryland Auto Insurance Board. The biographies of the opposite five commissioners also mention a variety of skilled experiences, including marine science, navigation, aviation, corporate law and the Maryland Department of Transportation.
Lyman later tried to distance himself from the controversial posts by blaming social media staff and talking about it Salt Lake City Grandstand that he didn’t approve the entry before publication.
Lyman told The Salt Lake City Tribune accused to his social media staff concerning the posts, claiming he didn’t approve them before publication.
“It wasn’t our best moment,” he told the newspaper. “The post was a knee-jerk reaction to some of the things others were posting.”
“I prefer a dignified approach, and sometimes people on social media are more provocative than I like,” Lyman said.
The controversial entries had been visible on his account since Wednesday afternoon.