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A Mayor of Louisiana took a bold step in expressing his opposition to Nike's Colin Kaepernick advertising campaign: he banned the purchase of brand products by clubs using the recreational facilities of his city. Kenner Mayor, E. Ben Zahn III, has asked the city's recreation department to ban the use or delivery of all Nike products, city councilor Gregory Carroll writes on the page. Facebook from his district.
Carroll, a Kenner First District Councilor, wrote that he was unaware of the Mayor's decision and that "it directly contradicts what I represent and what Kenner City should represent." .
"I am 100% AGAINST this decision," wrote Carroll. "I will be meeting with the mayor and other council members to cancel this directive, and I will keep the citizens of Kenner and the New Orleans area up-to-date."
Zhan's letter to the City's director of parks and recreation, Chad Pitfield, was obtained by the New Orleans Advocate. "Effective immediately, any purchase made by a rehab club operating at a Kenner Recreation Center to wear clothing, footwear, sports equipment and / or any sports product must be approved by the Director of Parks and Recreation or his or her representative ", writes the letter. . "Under no circumstances will a Nike product or product bearing the Nike logo be purchased or used at a City of Kenner Recreation Center."
A neighboring New Orleans councilor had a reaction similar to that of Carroll when he heard about the mayor's new directive. "I was in church when I received a copy of Mayor Kenner's letter.I never felt the need to buy one before, but I am obliged now, "wrote advisor Jay H. Banks Nike t-shirt that he bought. He shared a photo of him in front of a Nike store, with a new Nike outfit bought. "Thanks NIKE!" he wrote. The two councilors in the New Orleans area are both black.
New Orleans rapper Dee-1 also participated in sharing Zahn's note on Twitter. "It disappoints me that this happens in my state," tweeted Dee-1. "I would like to have a conversation with him on my return from this European tour, no fuss, just to build."
Nike's decision to call on Kaepernick – known for kneeling at the national anthem to draw attention to police brutality and racial injustice – was triggered call for boycott. Some consumers expressed support for the brand and its products, and marketing experts said the controversy could finally prove to be beneficial for Nike in a climate where consumers expect companies that they take political positions.
However, about 24% of consumers now say the brand is unfavorable, up from 7% before the sportswear giant unveils the old NFL. quarterback as the face of a new marketing campaignaccording to research firm Morning Consult.
Zahn issued a statement Monday outlining his decision to ban Nike's purchases. Zahn said he wanted to protect taxpayers 'money against use in a "political campaign" – in reference to the taxpayers' money used to buy uniforms with Nike logos. His full statement reads as follows:
Private for-profit companies have the right to advertise as they wish, even if it means using advertising to promote corporate political beliefs. Individuals also have the right to support or oppose any business or brand for any reason. These freedoms should never be lost.
I applaud Nike's message of inclusion and encouragement so that everyone is the best and dreams big. But I also recognize that Nike, in its zeal to sell shoes, has chosen to promote and sell a political message.
At Kenner, as in every city, our citizens and taxpayers cover a wide range of political philosophies and programs. We must respect all these programs and philosophies. So, when a company uses its advertising as a political megaphone, the government should be fair to everyone and not allow taxpayers' money to help this company advance its own political agenda.
My decision is only to protect the taxpayer money against use in a political campaign. Some asked if people would be allowed to wear Nike clothing on the city's playgrounds. The answer to that is … of course.
My internal rating draws the line by letting businesses take advantage of taxpayers by embracing political beliefs. My decision to deny Nike the benefit of our taxpayers while using their powerful voice as a political tool is my message. This government will not allow taxpayers' money to be used to promote the political position, platform or political principle of a business or individual. It's my position in terms of equity towards all.
Zahn is not the first person to react to Nike's announcement by banning the brand's products. The Ozarks College, A private Christian college in Point Lookout, Missouri, has pledged to remove all uniforms bearing the Nike logo after the unveiling of the Kaepernick spot last week.
Neither Carroll nor Banks responded to CBS News' request for comment.
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