Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review via APThe NAACP is standing by Rachel Dolezal.
In the wake of today's news surrounding the former Spokane branch president's race, the organization spoke out today by releasing a statement defending the civil rights activist.
"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."
Their statement continued, "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."
The NAACP also had words for those who are sending hateful comments to them regarding the scandal, saying, "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 news broke today after Dolezal's parents came forward to say that their daughter had spent years lying about her race.
Throughout her term serving as president of the Spokane, Wash., chapter of the NAACP and chairwoman of the city's office of Police Ombudsman Commission, she portrayed herself as black.
However, her mom Ruthanne Dolezal told a local NBC affiliate KHQ the family has no African ancestry, saying instead they have Czech, Swedish and German roots as well as Native American heritage.