BIRMINGHAM, Ala (WIAT)– The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute announced they were no longer honoring global human rights activist Angela Davis.

Davis was selected in September to receive the Fred Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award.

A statement from the BCRI says:

“In September of 2018, the ‪Birmingham Civil Rights Institute‬’s (BCRI) Board of Directors selected Angela Davis to receive the prestigious Fred Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award at its annual gala in February 2019. In late December, supporters and other concerned individuals and organizations, both inside and outside of our local community, began to make requests that we reconsider our decision.

Upon closer examination of Ms. Davis’ statements and public record, we concluded that she unfortunately does not meet all of the criteria on which the award is based. Therefore, on January 4, BCRI’s Board voted to rescind its invitation to Ms. Davis to honor her with the Shuttlesworth Award. While we recognize Ms. Davis’ stature as a scholar and prominent figure in civil rights history, we believe this decision is consistent with the ideals of the award’s namesake, Rev. Shuttlesworth.

We regret that this change is necessary, and apologize to our supporters, the community and Ms. Davis for the confusion we have caused. We will move forward with a keen focus on our mission: to enlighten each generation about civil and human rights by exploring our common past and working together in the present to build a better future.

The associated gala event, scheduled for ‪February 16th‬ at Haven has been cancelled. Ticket purchasers will received a full refund.”

The decision has sparked controversy.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin responded with a statement Sunday evening.

“As I consider the controversy over the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute’s decision to honor Dr. Angela Davis with the Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award and its subsequent decision to rescind that honor after protests from our local Jewish community and some of its allies, my overriding feeling is one of dismay.

Why am I dismayed?

I am dismayed because this controversy might have been avoided entirely, had it been handled differently. I am dismayed because, as has been the case throughout Birmingham’s history, people of good will behaved reflexively, rather than engaging in meaningful discourse over their differences and seeking common ground.

I am dismayed because this controversy is playing out in a way that harks backward, rather than forward — that portrays us as the same Birmingham we always have been, rather than the one we want to be. I am dismayed because I believe that we should be able to expect better, from ourselves and from one another.

Throughout my life, I have been a person who tries to see and understand all reasonable points of view on any given issue. As mayor, I believe that quality is an essential part of my job, a means of encouraging interchange and forging the consensus necessary to arrive at fair and workable solutions to any issue or opportunity that confronts us as a city.

The reactive decision of the BCRI did not create an opportunity for necessary consensus dialogue. It is my hope that such dialogue can take place, and we, together, choose to take advantage of the opportunity to come together to build a better understanding of ourselves and of each other.

While the City of Birmingham proudly contributes operational funding to the BCRI, it is our practice not to involve city government in the programmatic decisions of organizations that receive city funding. The BCRI has a right and responsibility to pursue its mission as its executive leadership and board see fit. Our job, as a city government, is to measure the value of BCRI — and every organization that receives funding from the City — to the community based upon its legal and ethical pursuit of that mission.

Beyond that, I believe it is incumbent, on both the BCRI and those opposed to its decision, to honor Dr. Davis by engaging each other constructively, rather than retreating to their respective corners and continuing to behave in a reactive manner. Instead, we are at a point at which members of our community are divided.

Birmingham, we have overcome tremendous challenges over the years and, despite our imperfections, we have served as a beacon for civil and human rights for the entire world. I call on all who care about Birmingham to reject division, hold fast to our bold legacy and face this controversy. This is as an opportunity to engage in conversation about how we work together to resolve our differences constructively and continue to move our community forward. I would be pleased to facilitate and participate in any such conversation, now and in the future.”

CBS 42 reached out to the BCRI for further comment about the decision. We were told their offfices were closed on Sunday.

The Alabama NAACP says they’ll have a statement Monday.

Community activist Carlos Chaverst is also planning a press conference to address the decision Monday.