Illinois NAACP President Teresa Haley is facing intense criticism and calls for resignation after making inflammatory remarks during a statewide meeting.
The comments, caught on video, targeted migrants, with Haley claiming they were rapists and "like savages." She also used derogatory language, including the N-word, and expressed disdain for transgender individuals, as per Chicago Tribune.
NAACP Leader Apologizes Over Comments
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 22: (L-R) Australyah Coleman, Teresa Haley, and Anthony Anderson speak onstage during the 51st NAACP Image Awards, Presented by BET, at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 22, 2020 in Pasadena, California.
Haley, who had previously denied making the comments, has now issued a formal apology on Thursday. In her statement, she expressed deep regret for any offense that may have been caused by her previous remarks.
In the video, she expressed her concerns about migrants receiving support while also suggesting that the needs of Black residents were being overlooked. The leader of the NAACP has accused the city of Chicago of allegedly prioritizing assistance for over 26,000 immigrants, potentially at the expense of the Black community.
The controversy deepened as Patrick Watson, Du Bois County branch president, resigned in protest and urged Haley to follow suit. Watson recorded the video call, during which Haley also criticized the use of transgender pronouns and complained about being asked to use them.
Chicago, grappling with a surge in migrant arrivals, is expected to spend $300 million this year on support for over 26,000 migrants who crossed the Mexican border since August last year. The city faced criticism for commandeering parks and public facilities to accommodate newcomers, leading to backlash from residents.
Haley's comments, which have been labeled as "abhorrent" by Watson, have ignited a wave of outrage. The remarks have drawn strong condemnation from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who characterized them as "reprehensible" and "extraordinarily inappropriate." Governor Pritzker underscored the significance of acknowledging the valuable contributions made by immigrants to the fabric of American society, according to Daily Mail.
NAACP Turmoil, Evaluating Controversial Remarks
The NAACP, an organization established in 1909 with the aim of promoting the rights of Black individuals, finds itself currently involved in internal turmoil. In a divided response, branch presidents have voiced their opinions on Haley's remarks. While some have shown unwavering support for her, others, such as Watson, have strongly criticized her statements, labeling them as hate speech. Carla Jackson-Campbell, a senior executive at the NAACP, revealed that the organization is currently in the process of evaluating the situation at hand.
Haley, a rising star in the NAACP and the recipient of the 2021 Activist of the year award, is currently campaigning for a seat on the organization's national board. Her comments, however, have drawn criticism from various quarters, prompting calls for her resignation.
As tensions rise over migrant arrivals in Chicago, the controversy surrounding Haley adds fuel to the debate over the city's sanctuary status. Chicago, a sanctuary city since 1985, has faced challenges accommodating the recent influx of migrants, leading to strained resources and public discontent.
The NAACP, known for its commitment to advancing racial justice, now grapples with internal divisions over Haley's remarks. The fallout from this controversy raises questions about the organization's mission and the need for accountability within its leadership, CNN reported.
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