Against the Grain II
By Vaughn Wilson
Recently, a contentious exchange between lobbyist Barney Bishop and state representative Ramon Alexander expounded on the powder keg that is currently race relations in America. Bishop, arguing in favor of HB233, a bill that would “prohibit State Board of Education and BOG from shielding students, staff, and faculty from certain speech.” In short, it would open college campuses in the state university system to anyone who wishes to speak on campus.
Conventional wisdom is that this originated from the 2017 refusal of the University of Florida to allow Richard Spencer, a known white supremacist, to speak on its campus. The University of Florida refused to rent space to Spencer’s organization for a speaking event as it came on the heels of the violent Charlottesville, Va. racial encounter. A statement from university president W. Kent Fuchs, stated “…the University of Florida remains unwaveringly dedicated to free speech and the spirit of public discourse. However, the First Amendment does not require a public institution to risk imminent violence to students and others. The likelihood of violence and potential injury — not the words or ideas — has caused us to take this action.”
This is exactly the position Alexander took on the issue. His statement a little more forthcoming than that of Fuchs. “I’m putting it on the record,. If the KKK comes on FAMU campus, all hell is going to break loose,” Alexander said.
With the recent insurrection at the U.S. Capital, it is as if hate groups are emboldened to spread not only their messages, but their ideals, even using physical force. The Charlottesville events were followed by a member of the hate group plowing over counter-protestors with his car during a peaceful protest.
Bishop and Alexander, were both members of the FAMU Board of Trustees at one time. Alexander’s term was as student body president of FAMU. Bishop was appointed to the board. It is this period which draws alarm from those familiar with his votes, his initiatives and actions as a board member. Emphatically, Roosevelt Wilson, the originator of the “Against the Grain,” brand and my father, once wrote an article pondering if Bishop’s actions and dismissive demeanor toward interim president Castell Bryant, Ph. D was based on a racist attitude.
Just last year, Bishop got in hot water for a “Tweet” that he sent out; having to retract it and try to perform damage control with an apology statement. The post was an attack on Blacks. Because he did not specify “some” Blacks, the generalization that all Black people disobey police officers is truly problematic. Especially to someone like myself who has worked closely with law enforcement over the last three decades and has much respect for law enforcement.
What racists do is make passionate statements about how they feel and then when the fire gets hot, they do a retraction. The problem is the damage is already done. We accept apologies, but we also understand that you said what you meant.
Bishop is a very successful lobbyist. He is good at what he does. I just think he doesn’t need to be the face of HB233 because of the baggage associated with him.
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