Interim Morehouse College educator questions Lt. Gov. Burt Jones' criticism of DEI spending

Dr. Walter Kimbrough
Dr. Walter Kimbrough, Interim Executive Director of the Black Men's Research Institute at Morehouse College

Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones sparked a lot of criticism after questioning why taxpayer dollars were funding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs in Georgia colleges and universities. In a letter to University System Chancellor Sonny Perdue, the lieutenant governor alleged such programs appear to “enforce intellectual and political conformity.”

Among those pushing back against Jones’ remarks is Dr. Walter Kimbrough. He is the interim executive director of the Black Men’s Research Institute at Morehouse College.

Kimbrough calls Jones’ statement “ridiculous.”

“We’re in this period of time where people are weaponizing words and concepts that they don’t understand, like DEI and CRT (Critical Race Theory) for political motive,” said Kimbrough. “That’s problematic.”

Kimbrough says this is a trend we’re seeing across the country and thinks these kinds of actions could be detrimental to Georgia’s education system.

Producers for “Closer Look with Rose Scott” reached out to Lt. Gov. Burt Jones’ office. He was unable to join the conversation and did not respond to follow-up requests.