Dallas, Texas, June 8, 2020 … ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) today commended Texas Governor Greg Abbott for denouncing racist posts by several Texas Republican County Chairs, but also called on the governor to take concrete measures, using input from the African American community, to address institutional racism in his party and beyond after nearly a dozen social posts of the same conspiratorial nature were identified as coming from local party officials.

Governor Abbott called the posts, which spread conspiracy theories claiming George Floyd’s killing was a “staged event” to drum up opposition to the Republican Party and President Trump “disgusting,” and said, “they have no place in the Republican Party and in public discourse.”

“Just one post like the ones we’ve seen lately would be one too many,” said ADL Vice President, Central Division Cheryl R. Drazin. “Nearly a dozen from the same party suggest the first two are not an anomaly. These posts only serve to further harm and detract from the real issues. We call on Governor Abbott and all Texas Republicans to do their part to stand up against racism and antisemitism.”

The governor denounced posts by the GOP County Chairs of Bexar and Nueces counties. Posts by other GOP chairs have suggested that people protesting Floyd’s death have been paid to do so by Jewish billionaire George Soros makes those posts antisemitic as well as racist.

ADL is a leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of antisemitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Today, ADL continues