Leaked Video Reveals NAACP Honoring School Board Members Who Oppose Trump’s Anti-DEI Policies

A heated debate is intensifying across Ohio as a prominent NAACP official was seen on video detailing her organization's plan to honor school board members who reject the Trump administration’s push to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in schools. Meryl Johnson, Chair of the Cleveland NAACP’s education committee, outlined the initiative during a Teach Truth Day of Action online briefing, where she criticized what she termed an "immoral suggestion" from President Trump, and praised those who prioritize students above federal directives.

“We have some school board members all over the country, but especially in Ohio, who understand what their job is—putting students first,” Johnson asserted during the briefing. She emphasized that the NAACP would present ‘Guardian of Justice’ awards to school board officials who refuse to sign anti-DEI pledges. “We’re going to be giving awards to school board members along with a certificate. So far, we have three districts participating, including Cincinnati, Shaker Heights, and Cleveland Heights–University Heights," she said, adding that they hope to reach even more recipients in the weeks ahead.

The controversy comes as several Ohio school districts align with the Trump administration’s executive orders prohibiting certain DEI practices—orders which threaten the withdrawal of federal funding from noncompliant districts. These directives mandate the removal of what the administration considers “illegal DEI practices” and aim to eliminate instruction around topics labeled as “radical indoctrination.” While some districts have signed statements confirming compliance to safeguard their federal funds, others have declined and are being recognized by the NAACP for their stand.

The issue has sharply divided educators, parents, and public officials. “As a mother, an attorney, and Ohioan, I am appalled by this disturbing new video showing Meryl Johnson, a representative of the NAACP Cleveland, openly encouraging school board members to defy a binding executive order,” stated Ohio attorney Mehek Cooke. She stressed that such actions not only risk critical federal resources—including funding for disadvantaged and disabled students—but also jeopardize the future of Ohio’s children. “That money isn’t political, it’s essential. It keeps the lights on in struggling schools, pays for reading intervention, and supports the very students DEI ideologues claim to protect. Pulling that rug out just to virtue signal is sheer negligence in my book,” Cooke argued.

Scheduled for June 7, the NAACP’s Teach Truth Day of Action—co-hosted with the Zinn Education Project—aims to publicly honor those standing against the new federal mandates. According to Johnson, the event is part of a broader effort to encourage school leaders not to “be intimidated” or “afraid,” stressing, “We have a democracy to protect and it's our job to do that.”

Meanwhile, the debate over the role of DEI in American classrooms shows no signs of abating. Critics of the awards program argue that defiance could result in broader consequences for entire districts, particularly those serving high-need populations. Supporters contend the recognition is important for preserving what they see as vital educational values under threat. As Ohio’s school boards weigh their choices, the national conversation over education, equity, and federal authority continues to escalate.