Many of you know all of the troubles going on at the Houston branch of the NAACP. It has been mind blowing even for a seasoned reporter who has seen it all.
The long time Executive Director Yolanda Smith has been placed on administrative leave while members of the organization have taken sides.
Those sides have some backing Smith while others back new NAACP President Dr. D.Z. Cofield who initially tried to fire Smith. However, he was overruled by the Executive Committee and the national office of the civil rights organization.
Now, the Insite has learned local members have been told to keep their mouths shut.
This email obtained by the Insite indicates a regional director of the NAACP based in Boston has sent a stern warning that no members should talk to the news media.
The email goes on to tell members the local President is the spokesperson for the group. But then the email says the President shouldn't take any action until the national office gives him the okay.
Here's that email:
To the Houston NAACP Executive Committee:
Please be advised, that no one should be speaking with the media regarding the NAACP Houston Branch. NAACP policy dictates that the president is the spokesman for the branch, no other person may speak. (NAACP Constitution, Article VII, section 3)
Furthermore, per the letter dated, June 3, 2011 from the Chief Operating Officer & Chief of Staff, Roger C Vann:
"As President, neither you nor any of the individuals who were in the Executive Director's office on May 26, 2011 or any representative on your behalf is to communicate and/or take any action on behalf or in the name of the NAACP until this matter has been resolved by the National Office. Failure to adhere to this directive may be deemed as conduct inimical and detrimental to the Association and result in the immediate suspension of membership in the Association."
Sincerely,
Carmen R. Watkins
No comments:
Post a Comment