animus

“These remarks are indicative of a strong animus and unlawful discriminatory intent by Board members.”

While Rufo, in his Politico interview, insisted the "DEI hire" invocation against Gay was "absolutely not fueled by racial animus" or sexism, it's clear the label largely comes off that way.

A local election plagued by animus is not “unique to this particular race,” said Fernando Guerra, a professor of political science at Loyola Marymount University who is unaffiliated with the campaigns.

But he added: Judge Cannon "clearly has some animus toward the government."

Usually, dog whistles contain a patina of “plausible deniability” for hiding racial animus.