Read the PDF of our statement here.
LDF Statement on the President’s Backtracking on Condemnation of White Supremacist Violence in Charlottesville
Earlier today, President Trump backtracked on his condemnation of the white supremacist violence that took place in Charlottesville, Virginia over the weekend. Sherrilyn Ifill, President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), issued the following statement:
“Trump’s backtracking today makes clear why no one applauded his uninspiring rebuke of white supremacy yesterday. While yesterday’s comments were grossly insufficient, today’s were wholly unacceptable. The President defended white nationalists, attacked those fighting white supremacist extremism, and offered support to a general who led an open rebellion against the United States. I am not shocked, only appalled. This President lacks empathy and a firm grasp on history.
“I renew my call to leadership across industry and at the federal, state, and local level to reject this ahistorical and immoral defense of white nationalism. The President’s words today stand athwart history and decency, and must be strongly condemned by all, regardless of partisan affiliation.”
Letter to Rep. Goodlatte Demanding Congressional Action to Defend Voting Rights
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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.
