NAACP Rally in Amherst Condemns Attacks on DEI, Urges Civic Action Against Trump Policies

The local chapter of the NAACP held a “Boots on the Ground” rally Saturday at Amherst Town Hall, denouncing the rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and calling for renewed civic engagement.

According to ABC 13 NEWS, Participants gathered on Main Street and took turns reading aloud key passages from the U.S. Constitution, including the Preamble and the First, 14th and 15th Amendments.

Gloria Witt, one of the event organizers, criticized what she described as ongoing threats to constitutional rights under former President Donald Trump. She said his administration, including many officials with ties to Fox News, is undermining democratic principles.

“This is wrong,” Witt said. “He is trying to take away our rights, and he’s using people like his cabinet — which includes many Fox News contributors — to stir up problems.”

Witt also voiced strong opposition to efforts to dismantle DEI programs, attributing the movement to Trump and his political allies.

“All of us must band together and send a signal through nonviolent protests, marches and rallies that we don’t like what’s happening,” Witt said. “If we are silent, we agree — and we do not agree with this moment.”

Following the town hall rally, attendees marched through the streets of Amherst. Witt said the event was named “Boots on the Ground” to symbolize the community’s commitment to standing firm against policies she believes are harmful and divisive.