Spokane NAACP president resigns in wake of race controversy

Rachel Dolezal has announced that she will “step aside” from her position as president of the Spokane chapter of the NAACP.

Dolezal made headlines when it was revealed last week that she was of European descent, and did not have any African lineage. The revelation sparked controversy at the NAACP.

Related: Dave Ross: Who gets to define what race you are?

On Monday morning, Dolezal released a statement on the Spokane NAACP Facebook page that she was resigning from her position as its president.

“It is with complete allegiance to the cause of racial and social justice and the NAACP that I step aside from the Presidency and pass the baton to my Vice President, Naima Quarles-Burnley,” Dolezal wrote.

Dolezal has remained largely silent during the controversy. She was scheduled to address the NAACP membership Monday evening and discuss the scandal, but cancelled that meeting Sunday.

In her resignation letter, she maintained her silence on the issue of her race, and misleading others to believe she had African heritage.

“I have waited in deference while others expressed their feelings, beliefs, confusions and even conclusions – absent the full story,” Dolezal wrote. “… Additionally, I have always deferred to the state and national NAACP leadership and offer my sincere gratitude for their unwavering support of my leadership through this unexpected firestorm.

“I am delighted that so many organizations and individuals have supported and collaborated with the Spokane NAACP under my leadership to grow this branch into one of the healthiest in the nation in five short months,” she wrote. “In the eye of this current storm, I can see that a separation of family and organizational outcomes is in the best interest of the NAACP.”

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