Anchorage resident Jay McDonald has filed a human rights complaint against the Alaska Humanities Forum over its advertised conference for August that excludes white people from half of the conference.
McDonald, who is also a candidate for House, said that the Aug. 6-7 conference excludes his children, who do not identify as “BIPOC,” as the conference has labeled people of color.
“No family in Anchorage should have to fear that they will be forced to leave a public space based on the color of their skin,” McDonald said.
“Bad faith actors have been exploiting loopholes in Alaskan laws regarding 501c3 corporations to engage in prejudicial and discriminatory conduct against protected identity groups. I hope to work with the Alaskan Human Rights Commission and the House Majority in the coming legislative session to strengthen anti-discrimination law and close these loopholes. I have asked the AHRC to open an investigation into this event.”
The Alaska Humanities Forum’s president and CEO is Anchorage Assemblyman Kameron Perez-Verdia.
