The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has responded to the media firestorm surrounding Rachel Dolezal, the Spokane Washington Branch President that has come under scrutiny for inconsistencies regarding her ethnicity.
Dolezal, 37, has had her racial identity questioned now that her parents have produced what they say is her birth certificate. It appears to show that she is white.
They said their daughter, who reportedly earned a master’s degree from the historically black Howard University in Washington, D.C., and is a professor of Africana Studies at Eastern Washington University, began to “disguise herself” as black after the family adopted four African-American children.
The NAACP statement reads as follows:
For 106 years, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has held a long and proud tradition of receiving support from people of all faiths, races, colors and creeds. NAACP Spokane Washington Branch President Rachel Dolezal is enduring a legal issue with her family, and we respect her privacy in this matter.
One’s racial identity is not a qualifying criteria or disqualifying standard for NAACP leadership. The NAACP Alaska-Oregon-Washington State Conference stands behind Ms. Dolezal’s advocacy record. In every corner of this country, the NAACP remains committed to securing political, educational, and economic justice for all people, and we encourage Americans of all stripes to become members and serve as leaders in our organization.
Hate language sent through mail and social media along with credible threats continue to be a serious issue for our units in the Pacific Northwest and across the nation.
We take all threats seriously and encourage the FBI and the Department of Justice to fully investigate each occurrence.”