Ferris State group cancels Rachel Dolezar event after backlash

BIG RAPIDS, MI – Following backlash from students and alumni, Ferris State University’s public relations chapter canceled an appearance by Rachel Dolezal, the controversial former Spokane, Washington NAACP chapter president accused of pretending to be black in 2015.

Dolezal, a white woman who said she identified as black after her race was revealed, was scheduled to speak Monday, March 25, at the University Center Ballroom.

The Ferris chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) apologized to the campus community on Facebook Thursday, Feb. 28, and announced the event was canceled.

“Dear Ferris Community: We failed. We’re deeply sorry for the pain and hurt we’ve caused by inviting Rachel Dolezal to our campus. We’ve heard you. Effective immediately the Rachel Dolezal event is canceled. We’re evaluating how we arrived here and how we can move forward with respect to the core values of our University,’’ according to the post.

Read more: https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2019/02/ferris-state-cancels-rachel-dolezar-event-after-backlash.html