Photo from Wikimedia Commons. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) announced on Friday that have reversed their decision and will offer their human rights award to Angela Davis after all.
In a statement posted to their website, BCRI said their board voted to undo their revocation of the Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award from Davis and noted they had issued a January 14 public apology over how they handled the matter.
“At the end of the day, we stand for open and honest dialogue on issues,” BCRI Interim Board Chair Rev. Thomas Wilder said in a statement. “It is only through our ability to talk openly and honestly with one another that we can achieve true understanding and appreciation for one another’s perspectives. We look forward to continuing the Institute’s legacy as we foster dialogue and open communications, improve our Board governance and policies, and stay focused on our Vision 2020 strategic plan.”
BCRI had voted to rescind the award from Davis on January 4, which Davis had said was the result of her supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Davis has not publicly stated if she will re-accept the award.
Davis did not respond to the Journal’s request for comment as of publication time.
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