Leaked Video Reveals NAACP Awarding 'Justice' Honors to School Board Members Defying Trump's Anti-DEI Policies

A leading official from the NAACP’s Cleveland chapter has stirred fresh controversy after being recorded on video describing plans to honor Ohio school board members who refuse to comply with federal directives banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in schools. Meryl Johnson, who chairs the NAACP Cleveland education committee, made her remarks during a recent virtual Teach Truth Day of Action briefing, explicitly celebrating what she characterized as school leaders “putting students first” by defying what she called “an immoral suggestion from the president” regarding anti-DEI mandates.

As part of its upcoming Teach Truth Day of Action on June 7, the NAACP has announced it will present “Guardian of Justice Awards” to school board members who have rejected the Trump administration’s executive order requiring districts to sign pledges renouncing DEI programs. Johnson emphasized that these awards aim not just to recognize moral courage, but also to embolden others amidst a climate of heightened political and legal pressure. “We want to encourage people, don’t be intimidated, don’t be afraid, okay? We have a democracy to protect and it's our job to do that,” she said, highlighting the event as both celebratory and defiant.

The debate has sharply divided school boards across Ohio. Some districts, reportedly seeking to avoid the loss of crucial federal funds, have agreed to certify that they do not engage in illegal DEI practices, following warnings from the federal Department of Education. However, other districts—including Cincinnati, Shaker Heights, and Cleveland Heights-University Heights—have chosen not to comply, earning public praise and recognition from the NAACP. Recipients of the Guardian of Justice Awards are slated to receive physical pins and certificates, with some awards being mailed as more board members publicly align with the NAACP’s stance.

The Trump administration’s executive actions have placed significant pressure on educational institutions nationwide, threatening the withdrawal of essential funding such as Title I and IDEA payments for noncompliance. In January, a sweeping executive order titled “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling” specifically barred teaching materials deemed “anti-American,” as well as content promoting gender identity or critical race theory, and directed law enforcement to investigate and possibly prosecute educators for certain activities.

The NAACP’s move has drawn strong criticism from opponents of DEI policies, who argue that encouraging defiance of federal law is reckless and potentially harmful to students. Ohio attorney Mehek Cooke, echoing the concerns of many critics, labeled the NAACP’s campaign as a “direct attack on our children’s future.” She stressed that federal education dollars are vital resources for struggling schools and vulnerable students, and warned, “Defying federal law puts critical funding—like Title I for disadvantaged students and IDEA for children with disabilities—at serious risk.”

Cooke accused the NAACP and participating school board members of putting politics ahead of the academic and financial wellbeing of students, asserting, “This isn’t about equity—it’s about control. And playing politics with children’s education is a guaranteed path to generational failure.” She called for accountability measures including stripping funding from non-compliant districts and increased parental notification.

As the national debate over DEI intensifies, the confrontation in Ohio stands as a high-stakes example of how deeply the battle lines are drawn. With the NAACP poised to honor board members for their resistance, and federal authorities signaling zero tolerance for defiance, the dispute over DEI in schools shows no sign of abating as both sides brace for potential financial and legal consequences.