NAACP releases statement on Spokane leader whose race is questioned
SPOKANE, Wash. — Controversy is swirling around one of the Spokane region’s most prominent civil rights activists, with family members saying the local leader of the NAACP has falsely portrayed herself as black for years.
Rachel Dolezal is president of the Spokane chapter of the NAACP, chair of the city’s Office of Police Ombudsman Commission, and an adjunct professor at Eastern Washington University.
The Spokesman-Review reported Thursday that questions have arisen about her background and her numerous complaints to police of harassment. The story was first reported by the Coeur d’Alene Press.
Dolezal’s mother, Ruthanne, says the family’s ancestry is Czech, Swedish and German, with a touch of Native American heritage.
Her mother and father told KXLY that they are both white, and Rachel is their biological daughter.
The station interviewed Dolezal regarding her a photo posted to the NAACP Spokane Facebook page in which she apparently identifies an African-American man as her father:
“Ma’am, I was wondering if your dad really is an African-American man,” the reporter asked.
“I don’t understand the question,” Dolezal answered. “I did tell you is my dad.”
“Are your parents white?” he asked.
The NAACP released a statement on Dolezal Friday, saying they respect her privacy and reaffirming that "racial identity is not a qualifying criteria" to be part of NAACP leadership.
Here is the group's full statement:
Baltimore, MD – 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.
The mayor and City Council president say an inquiry is underway into whether she violated city polices when she listed herself as white, black and American Indian on her board application.
Ruthanne Dolezal says her daughter would have been more effective if she were honest.