NAACP Claims Victory in Meritless Lawsuit Brought by Rep. Gaetz and Greene

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 25, 2024

Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org

WASHINGTON - This weekend, the U.S. District Court in the Central District of California dismissed a lawsuit filed against a branch of the NAACP and other nonprofits. The meritless suit, brought by extremist legislators Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene, claimed that the organizations violated federal law by conspiring to prevent the politicians from holding a rally in Riverside, California. The judge dismissed the case without leave to amend and cited the claims of the case as "pure conjecture" and "conspiracy theory."

NAACP General Counsel, Janette McCarthy Wallace, released the following statement in reaction to the news:

"Today, the NAACP is affirmed by this legally sound decision to dismiss a case founded on conspiracy theories, seeking to undermine the work of our civil rights champions. In a political landscape riddled with anti-Black politicians, it is crucial that our courts continue to advance justice. While Representatives Gaetz and Greene work to suppress, instead of serve their constituents, the NAACP remains committed to providing the resources and support necessary to create a more equitable society. This is what serving your community looks like."

A copy of the opinion can be found here. 

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.