ENDING THE GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY OF VIOLENT EXTREMISM
WHEREAS, the United States Military has witnessed a disturbing rise in far-right extremism and white supremacist terrorist violence;
WHEREAS, the white supremacist movement in the United States is surging in growth and presents a distinct and present danger to this country and its institutions, including the U.S. Armed Forces;
WHEREAS, a recent report from the Pentagon investigation have demonstrated a consistent and disturbing increase in veterans and active-duty service members who are affiliated with white supremacist activity;
WHEREAS, on February 11, 2020, Southern Poverty Law Center’s Chief Workplace Transformation Officer, Lecia Brooks, testified before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Military Personnel of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, about the alarming growth of the infiltration of the U.S. Military by white supremacists;
WHEREAS, Armed service members often possess unique and deadly training and capabilities, and if indoctrinated by white supremacist and/or white supremacist organizations may represent a major threat to national security and the safety of our communities;
WHEREAS, in December 2019, it was reported that the National Defense Authorization Act was altered in the U.S. Senate to remove mention of “white nationalists” in the screening process for military enlistees;
WHEREAS, under this change, the Department of Defense is instructed only to screen for “extremist and gang-related activity” a significant change when we consider that service members are allowed to serve in the White House, and any number of other sensitive military and political posts with access to sensitive information and dangerous high-tech weaponry;
WHEREAS, a September 19, 2019, document from the Department of Homeland Security (Strategic Framework for Targeting Terrorism and Targeting Violence) read, “[w]hite supremacist violent extremism, one type of racially and ethnically motivated violent extremism, is one of the most potent forces driving domestic terrorism;” and
WHEREAS, On February 17, 2020 the Federal Protective Service (part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security) reported that white supremacists planned on targeting law enforcement and “non-white” people in particular in plans to weaponized and spread the COVID-19 virus to these populations.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) supports amending the National Defense Authorization Act, to include a provision which disqualifies anyone seeking to serve in any branch of the United States military if they are proven “white nationalists;”
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the NBCSL advocate for federal policy that dishonorably discharges any and all active members, to include reservists and National Guard, of the U.S. military if they are proven to be a member or active supporter of white supremacist organizations or associations; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, members of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, and other federal and state government officials and agencies as appropriate.
- SPONSOR: Senator Brenda Gilmore (TN)
- Committee of Jurisdiction: Military and Veterans Affairs (MVA) Policy Committee
- Ratified in Plenary Session: December 2, 2021
- Ratification certified by: Representative Billy Mitchell (GA), NBCSL President