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Controversy Surrounding the Hillsborough County Diversity Council after Two Members Resign

Appointment of Confederate Activist Upset Members
Posted at 7:08 PM, Aug 23, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-23 19:08:08-04

Four days after racial violence erupted in Charlottesville and one day after President Trump's both sides press conference, Confederate activist David McAllister was appointed to the Hillsborough County Diversity Advisory Council to represent, essentially, the "white people" or as it's officially defined by the county the northern and southern Europeans.

"We're not part of the diversity of Hillsborough. I reject that," says McAllister.

But it appears two of his fellow board members don't see it that way. They quit the council in protest of McAllister's appointment.

Dr. Gary Howell wrote in this resignation letter:

"The timing to add David McAllister to the diversity advisory council was inconsiderate, disrespectful, and inappropriate."

"I am certainly not a racist. I am not a white supremacist of any sort," says McAllister.

McAllister's appointment is a provocative challenge to the very definition of diversity on a council that was formed to give a voice to minority groups.

"I think it's very hypocritical all and intellectual dishonest to call all groups to the table and discuss matters and say this particular group is not allowed to be at the table," he says.

One of the resigning board members says he wouldn't be surprised if more people resign, meaning the diversity council itself could be in jeopardy.