NAACP Calls for Maintenance of the Community Relations Service (CRS)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 7, 2025

Contact: Chyna Fields, cfields@naacpnet.org

WASHINGTON — According to an internal memo, the Department of Justice, under the direction of Donald Trump, is considering closing the Community Relations Service (CRS), which was created as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The office is tasked with "preventing and resolving racial and ethnic tensions, conflicts, and civil disorders, and in restoring racial stability and harmony," according to the Justice Department.

Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO, shared the following statement in response to the Justice Department making consideration to close the Community Relations Service:

"Donald Trump is continuing his crusade to undo all the progress that has been made since the civil rights era. He's Making America Jim Crow Again. 

"For decades, the DOJ's Community Relations Service has addressed racial and ethnic tensions nationwide, including between police and communities of color. The office cannot investigate or prosecute — they are simply "peacemakers," often resolving conflicts before they explode, saving taxpayers enormous sums of money and bringing peace and stability to our communities. 

"We are disgusted — but not surprised — that Donald Trump is also planning to purge this critical office. This won't save taxpayer dollars, this will spark chaos that will cost far more to resolve. 

"Donald Trump has made his position clear: he wants to take America backwards."

The office was originally created by President Kennedy in the 1960s after noting a need in the federal government for experts who can "identify tensions before they reach the crisis stage" and "work quietly to ease tensions and improve relations in any community threatened or torn with strife." Since its inception, CRS employees have successfully collaborated with church leaders, community leaders, relatives of victims of violence, and city administrators to prevent civil unrest.

If gutted, we could witness a surge in disputes between police departments or city leaders and marginalized communities across the nation. From the brutal arrest of Rodney King to the killing of George Floyd, the Community Relations Service developed necessary relationships with community leaders and activists, equipping them with tools necessary to peacefully mediate disputes. 

The NAACP has, for over a century, been a proponent for peace, civil rights, and social justice due to underrepresented populations in this country. We stand by the need for offices like the Community Relations Service which have historically intervened and worked in our communities to ease tensions after heightened unrest. 

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.