Following their historic World Series win, the Los Angeles Dodgers are in the spotlight for a potential visit to the White House. The team’s upcoming trip has sparked backlash from an immigration rights group, which has launched a petition urging the Dodgers to skip the event. The National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) argues that the team’s decision to attend would contradict their role as symbols of unity and support for the region’s diverse communities.
The petition calls on the Dodgers to honor their commitment to unity, integrity, and diversity, suggesting that their attendance at a White House event under the current administration would represent a betrayal of the very people who support the team. The group’s online petition highlights the team’s connection to the community, emphasizing that their fans and fans from all backgrounds are the heart of the club’s success. The NDLON’s appeal is part of a broader movement to hold public figures accountable for their actions in the face of policies affecting immigrant populations.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ management has not yet made a final decision on whether to attend the White House visit. Their previous trip occurred in April 2023, and if that’s the plan again, the visit would be scheduled between April 3 and 5 of next year. The team’s decision could have far-reaching implications, not only for their relationship with the community but also for their standing as a symbol of diversity and inclusion in the sports world.
Other players on the team have also shown support for the community, with some opting out of the White House visit in previous years. Hard-throwing reliever Brusdar Graterol, along with some others, missed out on the celebration earlier this year, choosing to stay in his home city. Outfielder Mookie Betts, however, decided to attend this year, saying that his decision was about the team rather than himself. His comments reflect the growing divide among players and the public on how to navigate the complex relationship between sports and political activism in today’s climate.
The Dodgers’ visit to the White House has also been the subject of other public discussions, with some local stakeholders calling on the team to use their platform to speak out against policies that affect immigrant communities. A piece published by the Los Angeles Times in March urged the Dodgers to consider declining the invitation, citing the team’s potential influence and the recent political climate in the region. The piece highlighted the team’s connection to local figures like Magic Johnson and Billie Jean King, who have previously spoken out against policies that threaten immigrant communities.
The Dodgers’ visit to the White House comes as the team continues to navigate their relationship with the broader community. Earlier this year, they faced a contentious situation when they denied access to ICE agents at their stadium, an event that sparked a lot of discussion and scrutiny. The team’s stance has been seen as a reflection of their values, with many supporting their decision to prioritize the safety and well-being of their fans and local residents.
In the wake of these events, the Dodgers’ decision to attend or skip the White House visit could have far-reaching implications, not only for their relationship with the community but also for their standing as a symbol of diversity and inclusion in the sports world. As the team continues to navigate these complex relationships, their decision could serve as a powerful statement about their values and priorities as a public entity.