In College Park, Maryland, Kayla Aliese Carter, hired as a “Racial Equity Officer,” has stirred controversy with her statements on social media, advocating for a revolutionary approach to achieving “Black liberation.” Appointed under the tenure of former Mayor Patrick L. Wojahn—who resigned following an arrest related to child pornography—Carter’s role involves spearheading initiatives to combat systemic racism within city departments. However, her outspoken views on violence and the dismantling of the current societal structure have raised eyebrows.
Carter has publicly supported the notion of “burning it all down” to pave the way for a new societal order, aligning with revolutionary ideologies. Her work primarily focuses on the city’s Restorative Justice Commission, particularly aimed at addressing historical injustices in the Lakeland community. Despite initial reports, the city clarified that Carter does not oversee a team but works with the commission on implementing a racial equity agenda.
Her appointment came in the wake of the city’s commitment to confronting racism, encapsulated in “Resolution 20-R-16,” enacted after George Floyd’s death. This law mandated a thorough review of all city policies and programs to identify and address any bias or disparate impacts on Black individuals.
Carter’s posts often discuss the necessity of active anti-racism and question why the oppressed are discouraged from using violence. She has also made statements on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) that criticize the police, labeling them as white supremacists, and express her frustration with capitalism, which she blames for her dissatisfaction with her role and the need to work.
In several posts, Carter uses the term “yT” to describe colleagues and shares personal grievances about interactions in the workplace, revealing a broader critique of racial dynamics and societal structures. Despite her significant salary, Carter has voiced a desire to pursue other interests, indicating a struggle with her position’s demands and a broader critique of working within the system she critiques.
Carter’s public comments reflect a deep-seated desire for radical change and have ignited discussions about the role of public officials in advocating for societal transformation. Her vision for a post-revolutionary society underscores the tensions between revolutionary ideals and the practicalities of implementing equity and justice within existing governmental frameworks.