National Urban League Declares 'State of Emergency' Over Civil Rights in the U.S.

On July 17, 2025, during its annual conference in Cleveland, Ohio, the National Urban League (NUL) declared a "state of emergency" concerning civil rights in the United States. This announcement coincided with the release of their "State of Black America" report, which criticizes the federal government's actions under President Donald Trump for undermining civil rights protections, economic equity, and educational diversity.

The NUL's report highlights several concerns, including the downsizing of federal agencies responsible for enforcing civil rights policies and the implementation of initiatives like Project 2025. Project 2025 is a comprehensive policy agenda proposed by a coalition of over 100 conservative organizations, including The Heritage Foundation, aimed at reshaping federal government policies across multiple sectors. Critics argue that its implementation threatens to reverse decades of progress in civil rights, social justice, and equity, particularly impacting African Americans and marginalized communities.

The report also criticizes major corporations, universities, and social media platforms for reversing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and allegedly enabling discrimination or silencing Black voices.

Several actions and policies under the Trump administration have raised concerns among civil rights organizations. On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14151, titled "Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing," which mandates the termination of all activities related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) by federal departments. This has resulted in the elimination of DEIA-related positions, removal of references to DEI topics from federal resources, and restrictions on federal grants related to DEI.

Additionally, the rescission of Executive Order 11246 removed the obligation for federal contractors to establish affirmative action programs aimed at increasing workplace diversity. Civil rights advocates argue that this could undermine decades of progress in promoting equal employment opportunities and addressing systemic discrimination.

In response to these developments, civil rights organizations have taken legal action. On February 19, 2025, the National Urban League filed a lawsuit challenging executive orders issued during President Trump's administration, including EO 14151. The plaintiffs argue that these orders infringe upon their rights to free speech and due process.

The NUL's declaration of a "state of emergency" underscores the perceived urgency of addressing these civil rights concerns. The organization's call for a "new resistance" aims to mobilize other organizations and individuals to safeguard democratic principles and counteract policies viewed as regressive.

This declaration comes as the United States marks the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a landmark legislation aimed at protecting against racial discrimination in voting. However, recent legal decisions and policy changes have raised concerns about the erosion of these protections.

The National Urban League's "state of emergency" declaration serves as a clarion call to action, emphasizing the need for vigilance and collective effort to preserve and advance civil rights in the face of current challenges.