Utah Company Claimed to be “Racist”—All Because of Its Name!

If you've been around Utah for a while, you've probably heard of these banks or credit unions:

Zions Bank
Mountain America Credit Union
Wells Fargo
Utah First Credit Union
Bank of Utah
State Bank of Southern Utah

But the Utah Credit Union in the middle of controversy today is... America First Credit Union. America First is the jersey sponsor of the new Women's Professional Soccer Team, Utah Royals. Their jersey sponsor is America First Credit Union. Recently, two fan support pages for both the North Carolina Courage, and Chicago Red Stars have both released statements in disagreement with the jersey sponsor.

Utah Royals FC

Release from 'The Uproar', North Carolina Courages Fan Account:

"As we approach the Courage's match against Utah Royals FC this Friday, we must weigh in on the jersey controversy. While we support all the Utah players and their fans, we can't stand by without mentioning the front of jersey sponsor. America First Credit Union, of our opponent - The Utah Royals. The phrase "America First" has a long history rooted in racism, fascism, and hateful ideology."

Release from 'Chicago Local 134' released a very similar statement:

"The history of the phrase 'America First' and the imagery used in the credit union's logo is rooted in racist ideology and propaganda that harks back to the Nazis and the KKK. Soccer is for all and promoting an institution that is represented by racist propaganda is unacceptable."

America First Credit Union has released a statement to the Salt Lake Tribune:

"America First Credit Union is dedicated to serving the financial needs of all individuals and communities within its field of membership. It's name and history are rooted in the credit union's initial connection with the United States government, serving civilian federal employees working at American military bases, including Utah's Fort Douglas, where the credit union was founded in 1939."