NEW HAVEN -- Rachel Dolezal has officially stepped down as the president of the Spokane, Washington chapter of the NAACP.
Dolezal did not address allegations that have landed her and her family in the national spotlight over the past several days. Her parents, who are white, allege that she has been lying and presenting herself as black when she is not.
The story ignited debate over race and identity and blew up on social media.
When asked whether she was African-American by a TV reporter in Spokane last week, Dolezal replied, "I don't understand the question."
The issue has been turning heads across the nation, including here in Connecticut. The president of the state chapter of the NAACP, Scot X. Esdaile, said, "I think the situation is really unfortunate. I heard from some of my friends in Washington that she's a great civil rights activist and community activist and that they wanted her to stay in the position."
Esdaile went on to say the this issue is serving as a distraction from the real issues affectingblacks on a daily basis.
"There's some very serious problems with her situation in Washington. I'd like to hear it from her directly. I've read the statement from our national office which is on the national website and I just need to stay focused on what's important to the citizens of Connecticut."
