IANGEL recently learned that one of our directors filed a federal lawsuit alleging that her daughter was discriminated against because she was white. IANGEL had no prior knowledge of this lawsuit, and first learned of it from press reports and comments from the community. This lawsuit does not represent the views, positions, or sentiments of our organization. In fact, IANGEL has been a vigorous advocate to repeal the law that was passed as Prop 209, as part of our unflagging commitment to racial justice. We believe that programs designed to bring more people of color into fields from which they are and have been woefully under-represented are useful and important. While we strongly disagree with the decision to file this lawsuit, we recognize Ms. Hooley’s right as a private citizen to do so.
We assessed this matter in a thoughtful and respectful way and in accordance with our organization’s Bylaws, inviting comments and perspectives from all members of the board, and seeking an amicable outcome. As a result of this process, Ms. Hooley is no longer on IANGEL’s board of directors. We are grateful for her years of service to our organization and her abiding commitment to our mission.