Sierra Club Under Pressure: Demands for Transparency Follow Ben Jealous' Dismissal

A coalition of women of color leaders within the environmental sector is petitioning the Sierra Club to initiate a thorough and impartial evaluation of its management concerning the dismissal of Ben Jealous, the organization’s inaugural Black executive director. In a letter dispatched to the Sierra Club’s board on September 12, eight dedicated members and allies—including NAACP board member Katherine Egland and environmental justice advocate Charlotte Keys—condemned the board for conducting an investigation into Jealous while simultaneously being entangled in the racial bias allegations he raised. “For two years, Ben has voiced significant concerns regarding racial bias and discrimination in the Sierra Club,” the leaders noted, adding that counter-allegations against him have been relayed anonymously to journalists, eroding trust. They insisted on an independent procedure, stressing that breaches of confidential personnel information jeopardize the environmental movement during a crucial period. Jealous, previously the NAACP president, has denied any wrongdoing and is exploring legal avenues. The situation reflects mounting unrest among the Sierra Club's grassroots members, as some chapters advocate for an external review of the board’s actions.