Ben Jealous, who briefly led the Sierra Club earlier this year, was removed from his position following allegations of sexual harassment and bullying. An employee at the environmental group filed a complaint accusing Jealous of making unwelcome sexual comments, including graphic remarks about his own sex life and the bodies of female colleagues. The complaint also described episodes of verbal abuse and shouting directed at the employee.
Jealous, who previously headed the NAACP and was the first Black executive director of the Sierra Club, denied the allegations. Instead, he said he has been the target of racial discrimination within the organization. His lawyer stated that the accusations surfaced shortly after Jealous filed a formal grievance claiming retaliation and racism. Jealous has called the situation “racial retaliation” and criticized the Sierra Club for making personal attacks against him.
The Sierra Club’s board of directors voted unanimously to remove Jealous “for cause” in August, after placing him on leave in July. They have not publicly explained the specific reasons behind the decision. A spokesman for the Sierra Club said the organization investigates complaints but declined to discuss details about the investigation or its role in the firing.
During his short time leading the Sierra Club, Jealous faced tension with the group’s union and resistance from some state chapters. The union passed a no-confidence vote in him and his leadership team, highlighting issues like alleged union busting and retaliation. The Sierra Club is a large organization with over 60 chapters and reported nearly $200 million in revenue last year.
Jealous’s removal has drawn attention beyond the environmental circle. Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton spoke out, emphasizing concerns about racial implications in firing a high-profile Black leader amid ongoing debates about diversity. Sharpton’s group continues to call for arbitration to address the situation.
Before joining the Sierra Club, Jealous made a run for governor of Maryland as a Democrat in 2018 but lost to the Republican candidate Larry Hogan. His time at the Sierra Club was marked by controversy, and this latest chapter adds to an already difficult tenure. The full story behind Jealous’s departure remains unclear, but it involves serious accusations and deep divisions within the organization.