Yesterday, Facebook banned white nationalism and white separatism from its platform, putting each ideology on par with white supremacy, which was already prohibited. In addition to barring content that praises, supports, or represents white nationalism and white separatism, Facebook will also direct users who attempt to post such content to Life After Hate, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals leave hate groups.
This decision comes on the heels of Facebook’s decision to settle several lawsuits with civil rights organizations and labor groups – including the National Fair Housing Alliance – that alleged Facebook allowed discriminatory practices in housing, employment, and credit advertising.
Lisa Cylar Barrett, Policy Director at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), released the following statement:
“We are pleased that Facebook recognizes the unique responsibility it has to stop 21st century technology from abetting 21st century discrimination. Barring white nationalism and white separatism from its platform is another encouraging step towards ensuring that racial discrimination, hatred, and violence find no sanctuary on Facebook or Instagram. We look forward to continuing to work with Facebook and other social media companies in their efforts to strengthen their policies and prevent misuse of their platforms.”
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Founded in 1940, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) is the nation’s first civil and human rights law organization and has been completely separate from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) since 1957—although LDF was originally founded by the NAACP and shares its commitment to equal rights. LDF’s Thurgood Marshall Institute is a multi-disciplinary and collaborative hub within LDF that launches targeted campaigns and undertakes innovative research to shape the civil rights narrative. In media attributions, please refer to us as the NAACP Legal Defense Fund or LDF.
