Orrice oF THE GOVERNOR ‘State CaprroL,
Montcomeny, ALABAMA 36130
Kay Ivey (334) 242-7100
Governor Fax: (334) 242-3282
STATE OF ALABAMA
September 30, 2020
Mr. Ishan Bhabha
Jenner & Block LLP
1099 New York Avenue
Suite 900
Washington, DC 20001
Dear Mr. Bhabha:
‘Thank you for your recent letter on behalf of Ms. Sarah Collins Rudolph.
As you know, September 15, 1963 was one of the darkest days in Alabama’s history. If any good
could come from something so bad and evil, it was the momentum that was created to spur many
profound and long-overdue changes—changes that were not only beneficial for our state but also
for our entire nation.
While few can truly imagine what it was like to live through that tragic day, what Ms, Collins
Rudolph has endured as a survivor is a testament to the Biblical belief that good does conquer evil.
‘Thankfully, the violence that unfolded on that fateful Sunday morning—and other incidents during
this difficult chapter of American history—resulted in many positive changes that have been
beneficial to our national story during the years and decades that followed.
As you noted in your letter, “the State of Alabama did not place the bomb next to the church.” For
this and other reasons, many would question whether the State can be held legally responsible for
what happened at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church so long ago.
Having said that, there should be no question that the racist, segregationist thetorie used by some
of our leaders during that time was wrong and would be utterly unacceptable in today’s Alabama.
Moreover, there should be no question that Ms. Collins Rudolph and the families of those who
perished—including Ms. Collins Rudolph’s sister, Addie Mae, as well as Cynthia Wesley, Carole
Robertson, and Carole Denise MeNair—suffered an egregious injustice that has yielded untold
pain and suffering over the ensuing decades. For that, they most certainly deserve a sincere,
heartfelt apology—an apology that I extend today without hesitation or reservation
Naturally, your letter raises other questions that will need to be considered, reviewed, and
discussed as your proposal also includes a response from the Alabama Legislature, a separate
branch of government. For that reason, I would propose that our attomeys—as well as attorneys
for the Legislature—begin such discussions with you as soon as possible.Mr. Ishan Bhabha
September 30, 2020
Page 2
It would seem (o me that beginning these conversations—without prejudice for what any final
outcome might produce but with a goa! of finding mutual accord—would be a natural extension
of my Administration’s ongoing efforts to foster fruitful conversations about the all-too-difficult—
and sometimes painful—topic of race, a conversation occurring not only in Alabama but
throughout America,
1 will instruct my General Counsel, Will Parker, to reach out to you to continue this very important
dialogue, He will be in touch soon.
Please extend to Ms. Collins Rudolph my highest personal regards,
Sincerely,
Kay Ivey 7
Govemor