Was Ben Jealous The Target Of Racism Within Sierra Club?

Ben Jealous stands as a Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania and previously served as the NAACP’s president and CEO, along with leading the Sierra Club until recently. His tenure has been marred by controversy, prompting claims of unfair treatment and racial discrimination by supporters. These individuals assert that Jealous faces a smear campaign aimed at undermining his leadership.Aaron Mair and Chad Hanson, both notable figures within the Sierra Club, voiced their concerns regarding this perceived injustice in a public letter. Jealous, the first Black leader of the Sierra Club, took over in December 2022 amid previous leadership scandals. Reports indicate he is now on leave, with ambiguity surrounding the exact nature of his departure.Tension has risen within the organization, driven by layoffs and dissatisfaction over various operational strategies. Critics highlight Jealous's failure to uphold commitments, particularly concerning environmental justice initiatives. Amidst this, the Sierra Club grapples with both a budget deficit and an organizational identity crisis.