Spokane NAACP asks police to continue hate mail investigation

The Spokane chapter of the NAACP released a statement today asking the Spokane Police Department to continue its investigation into allegations of hate mail sent to the chapter. Police announced last week that they were suspending an investigation into a claim made by former president Rachel Dolezal that she received a package of threatening material in the chapter’s post office box. Documents released by police last week showed that the envelope was not stamped and had not been mailed. “In response to recently reported acts of hatred, we call upon the appropriate law enforcement officials and the United States Postal Services not to minimize such acts in our community,” the statement said. “The Spokane NAACP is requesting that the Spokane Police Department, the USPS and other agencies involved give full disclosure of the findings, conclusions and ongoing investigations related to the ‘hate mail’ received at the Spokane NAACP mailboxes and related incidents.” Spokane Police spokeswoman Teresa Fuller said she interpreted the statement as a request for SPD for investigate the allegations fully, “which we have.” The case has been suspended, not closed, Fuller said. The DNA of a male was recovered from tape on the envelope, but no match was found, Fuller said. If that changes, police will resume the investigation, she said. The NAACP statement also defended Dolezal, who has been under fire for claiming to be black for many years even though both her parents are white. Dolezal made an appearance on The Today Show Tuesday in which she said she “identified” as black. She resigned her position as president of the NAACP chapter Monday. “The questions being raised about the racial and ethnic background of former President Rachel Dolezal did not affect her qualifications to serve the organization,” the statement said. “Subsequent to former President Dolezal’s election in December 2014, she demonstrated courageous and empowering leadership. She rejuvenated the local NAACP committees and drew in leaders from all walks of life.” The statement does acknowledge community concerns about Dolezal’s leadership. “Understandably, many people are hurt and angry,” the statement said. “We look forward to working through these issues together.” Dolezal has created conflict within the NAACP, with some supporting her and others calling for her resignation. Justin Pimsanguan wrote in an email to NAACP members Tuesday that he’s not quite ready to forgive and move on. “Rachel caused a lot of problems and put us back several steps in our uphill battle for social justice,” he wrote. “We’re back at square one with both the Office of the Police Ombudsman citizen commission and the Spokane chapter of the NAACP.”