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NAACP Wants Pitt County School Board To Suspend Peaden Save Email Print
Posted: 8:47 PM Jul 20, 2008
 Last Updated: 10:20 AM Jul 21, 2008
 Reporter: Lynnette Taylor
39 comments
A | A | A

In a letter to the Pitt County Board of Education the NAACP made a request to take immediate action against school board member, Billy Ray Peaden.

You may remember, Peaden was arrested and charged with two counts of felony possession of a firearm and possession of illegal video poker gaming machines inside his stores.

Calvin Henderson Pitt County's NAACP President says this is not a black and white issue.

He says if a teacher or employee had the same charges they would be suspended.

Which is the the point Henderson says he wants to make to School Board Members.

"It's definitely not about race, it's about what's right and what's wrong and what's in the best interest of our children and our community that's what's it's all about."

Billy Peaden maintains his innocence. He is free on a 45-thousand dollar bond. Peaden also serves as a trustee at University Health Systems.
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Posted by: allen Location: winterville on Jul 23, 2008 at 01:56 AM
Any intelligent human of any race has to realize what a joke the NAACP really is!!! The biggest joke of all is Rev.Barber!!!
Posted by: Billy's New Uniform Location: Greenville on Jul 23, 2008 at 01:47 AM
Dear Cindy: If the Great State of NC has its' way, Mr. Peaden will get a new uniform. Black and white pin stripes with the word "Inmate" stamped on the back. I wonder if all his future classmates learn more and are less disruptive with uniforms on. I guess he'll be on a sebatical and he can report his findings after he returns from the poky.
Posted by: I need the press Location: Greenville on Jul 23, 2008 at 01:41 AM
I concur w/ the comments that the NAACP has no real business in calling for anything regarding Billy Bob Peaden. If the boards he serves on feel he needs to get off, so be it. I think he needs to go now. What is curious, is that several years ago a BLACK Pitt County Commissioner was caught smoking crack at a local car wash. I don't remember the NAACP calling this commissioner to step down. NAACP: Where were you then??
Posted by: light Location: Greenville on Jul 22, 2008 at 09:02 PM
C'mon Brother Henderson, Greenville has a lot more serious concerns than Billy Ray Peaden. Let's pray the school board and the court system will deal justly with this issue and in the meantime, please look for worthwhile causes to fight. Don't bring anymore humiliation to this organization. Oh yeah, I can throw out some suggestions if you need help: gang violence, drugs, unemployment, and single parent families just to name a few.
Posted by: Rosebud Location: Lagrange on Jul 22, 2008 at 06:53 PM
The NAACP has got as much business sticking their noses in this as I have flying a jet airplane. But....you have got to admit they stick together and show up whenever they are called. The white people of this country need to form an organization called NATION ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF WHITE PEOPLE...NAAWP. I am not trying to be raciest, but something has to give in this country! White people are being put in a position where they have no choice. Anyone want to start one????????????
Posted by: Lane Location: Washington, NC on Jul 22, 2008 at 05:08 PM
Once again the NAACP shows they are run by a bunch of inept individuals. All they really care about this case is to get their name before the public once again. As if they really care!! Billy Peaden is innocent until proven guilty and that is our American justice system. However, I agree with a previous responder that the school board will bow down before the NAACP as they will show they have very little courage. It is time for the majority to stop being bullied, enough is enough.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: williamston on Jul 22, 2008 at 03:24 PM
If Mr. Peaden is found guilty, yes he should lose his position on the school board. But it's none of the NAACP's place to say so. The man has not gone through the justice system and therefore he's innocent. I agree with some of the earlier posters, if Mr Peaden was a black man, the NAACP would be screaming that he be allowed to keep his position until he's found guilty.
Posted by: Jesse Location: Greenville, NC on Jul 22, 2008 at 02:53 PM
The only thing the NAACP has been good at is poking their nose in things that don't even concern them in the first place. Still doing a great job I see.
Posted by: lou lou Location: Washington nc on Jul 22, 2008 at 02:51 PM
The NAACP is correct if a person already have money or well off, their is a different set of rules for them. I think someone else is involved in this scandle that is higher up like Mr.Peaden to not want to take the fall also. He should be treated just like everyone else. You do the crime, do the time.
Posted by: PCS MOM on Jul 22, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Right on Cindy. Maybe the board should spend a little more time on knowing the law than on what children wear to school.
Posted by: Lucy Location: Greenville on Jul 22, 2008 at 01:00 PM
Did Mr. Peaden do or say something to offend the NAACP in the past that they are trying to hurt him now? How in the world do they not have anything better to do than pick on a white man on a random case? Oh that's right, they're the NAACP, they want to make an issue out of everything!! His fate on the school board, should be left to the school board and the court system! Remember, we elected him into office!! To the NAACP, you need to take a step back and look at your core values!! It seems to me that you have lost sight of them!!
Posted by: Concerned Location: Winterville on Jul 22, 2008 at 12:30 PM
If Mr. Peaden was black then the NAACP would be marching to keep his job! this is no place for the NAACP Get a grip NAACP we need a NAAWP dont you think>
Posted by: Cindy Location: Grimesland on Jul 22, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Maybe Mr.Peaden should wear a school uniform because they say that "the implementation of school uniforms will help minimize disruptive behavior"
Posted by: fedUp Location: belhaven on Jul 22, 2008 at 11:21 AM
If Peaden was black the naacp would be on his side all the way.
Posted by: Coachgirl Location: greenville nc on Jul 21, 2008 at 10:40 PM
(NAACP) has worked over the years to support and promote our country’s civil rights agenda. The NAACP has worked tirelessly to end racial discrimination while also ensuring the political, social, and economic equality of all people. The Association continues this mission through its policy initiatives and advocacy programs at the local, state, and national levels. What a disgrace the NAACP in Greenville is to this organization and its mission. I forget but what was their status a few years back when a black council member had legal woes? Something about DUI and urinating in public? Did they ask for his resignation?
Posted by: ozone Location: belhaven on Jul 21, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Remember everyone--This is an elected position--You just cant make him step down because he has been charged with crime--If he is convicted the attorney generals office will remove him--For the naacp saying treat him as you would a student that gets in trouble--The difference is the students are not elected and elected officials can and will stay in office until the courts determine if he is innocent or guilty--At this point if he is not taken off the board then you have a reason to be upset--With that said try doing something productive rather than making worthless petitions that are worth less than the paper they are written on..
Posted by: Chris Location: Windsor on Jul 21, 2008 at 09:20 PM
When did the NAACP ever care about anything other than race? It is the WHOLE reason they exsist! I do however agree that he should be suspended, but the NAACP is only using this for the media attention, and had it been a "Black" store owner you would have heard NOTHING from them unless they were accusing the police of wrong doing.
Posted by: Mike Location: Greenville on Jul 21, 2008 at 08:04 PM
Whenever the NAACP shows up ,there is trouble. Why they need to get involved here is certainly a mystery. I'm sure there's a hidden agenda here. Everyone is right, if Mr.Peaden were to be Afican American, they would be condemning us for the treatment he has been receiving. NAACP, please stay out of this. Leave town as well.
Posted by: BJ Location: On my computer, reading this bull! on Jul 21, 2008 at 07:43 PM
I agree, he should be suspended until court. Why should he be treated any different from anyone else?
Posted by: NOBama Location: PGV on Jul 21, 2008 at 06:47 PM
what ever happened to innocent until proven guilty?
Posted by: Mike Location: Pantego on Jul 21, 2008 at 06:25 PM
What does the naacp have to do with this,absolutley nothing.First off the man hasnt even been convicted.He hasnt been to court and found to be guilty.Why does the naacp feel the need to poke there nose in everybody elses buisiness?Just disband and move on,all yall do is cause trouble.Its very obvious the more yall speak the more ignorant you look.
Posted by: ric Location: washington on Jul 21, 2008 at 06:15 PM
i agree he should step down until court. on the other hand the naacp has no business sticking their in this issue. we should all ban the naacp!
Posted by: Sally Location: Greenville on Jul 21, 2008 at 04:56 PM
What in the world is the NAACP sticking their noses in this for? What do they have to do with it. I just wish they would just go away because they always cause trouble. So to you NAACP, go away because you are people that cause trouble everytime you can. You don't try to help or even really care about others. Leave this alone.
Posted by: Beyond annoyed...again Location: in my office on Jul 21, 2008 at 04:05 PM
NAACP has no business with this issue. This is a legal issue and not one of the latest crimes against a group that just wants to stir the pot and add further tensions in the community.
Posted by: Dee Location: Greenville on Jul 21, 2008 at 02:48 PM
The NAACP needs to mind their own business. They need to spend more time working with all those that are causing violence in Greenville such as our new African American Police Chief that has come to reduce crime that has only escalated and the real racial issues. They always stick there nose in places they do not belong. How much damage control is the NAACP doing for the Duke Lacrosse players that they condemend over the lies the poor single black mother made against them!!!!Get a real job and leave people alone.
Posted by: Right on Ted on Jul 21, 2008 at 02:21 PM
I couldn't figure out why the NAACP cared about this, until I read Ted's comment. Most people believe Mr. Peaden should at least be suspended until this is resolved, but the NAACP doesn't care about anyone except getting themselves in public office. So, there's the link!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 21, 2008 at 01:57 PM
If this is NOT about race then dont bring a racially biased group into this. Still, Peaden broke the law and is probably going to be fired on top of many other things. Why is this a black and white issue? Thats right its not!
Posted by: S Location: Washington,NC on Jul 21, 2008 at 01:55 PM
I agree...The NAACP should keep its nose out of this problem...it has nothing to do with them....If Mr. Peaden had been black,they would be all over it,trying to support him,regardless of the evidence....Personally,I think he should be relieved of his duties also pending the final outcome,but the NAACP should be taking care of their own.

POST EDITED
Posted by: fed up Location: greenville on Jul 21, 2008 at 01:32 PM
they did not print my first response, Naacp needs to worry about there own people, and quit sticking their nose where it does not belong
Posted by: Ted Location: Greenville on Jul 21, 2008 at 12:43 PM
My spider sense tells me our local NAALCP has someone in mind to replace Peaden.
Posted by: Dave Location: Greenville on Jul 21, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Once again the NAACP sticks their noses where they don't belong.
Posted by: brian Location: greenville on Jul 21, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Before we hang him, I believe that everyone in this country is entitled to a fair trial. Lets give him his day in court before we fire him.
Posted by: MW Location: RM on Jul 21, 2008 at 10:31 AM
The NAACP has no business involving them selves in this case. They are a group designated to help black Americans. What business do they have demanding he step down? So their input should hold no validity of what Peadens punishment should be.
Posted by: Pitt Mom on Jul 21, 2008 at 07:59 AM
As much as I dislike some of the things the NAACP does I applaud them for getting involved. PCS has a zero tolerance policy. Even if a kid is found not guilty in the court they are punished at school even before they go to court. I know a kid who got hit, required stitches was arrested even though he never threw a punch, was suspended and then charges dropped because resource officer could not show where he threw a punch. It was zero tolerance. So he missed school, had to be handcuffed and arrested and then sorry we made a mistake. If it is zero tolerance for kids should be zero tolerance for staff, board etc.
Posted by: John Location: Mount Olive on Jul 21, 2008 at 07:47 AM
I agree that he should be removed from the boards, but what makes it a NAACP issue. They are always getting involved in such petty issues. Perhaps that need to re-examine their name and see if they can figure out what the organization was created for. I don't think the issue of Peaden can help or hurt the advancement of colored people; but then again 99 percent of what they get involved in doesn't either. It's time for the NAACP to dis-band as they are only hurting the people they are supposed to be helping. (or maybe they should wait until after Obama doesn't get to be President so they can find the hanging chads!!!!)
Posted by: Chris Location: Greenville on Jul 21, 2008 at 06:38 AM
Hasn't anybody realized yet? The NAACP has self serving agenda, if Peaden was black they would be supporting him.
Posted by: George Location: Greenville on Jul 20, 2008 at 10:59 PM
If Peaden was Black the NAACP would be standing behind him, instead of wanting him suspended. If Peaden was black, they also would be claiming racism if he was suspended without being found guilty first. I can not believe Henderson says it is not a black and white issue, it always is with the NAACP.
Posted by: Gman Location: Winterville on Jul 20, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Are they also going to petition the Rainbow Coalition to remove Jesse Jackson from power? What makes them think their petitioning the school board is noteworthy? To say it isnt about race then why not ask as individuals and no as a group that everything they do is about race? Personally I feel Mr. Peaden should be suspended from the board pending the outcome of his charges but I fail to see why that's any less important because I am not a member of the NAACP. We all know it's just another way for Mr. Henderson to get his name in the news via the umbrella of the NAACP
Posted by: Doug Location: Greenville on Jul 20, 2008 at 09:34 PM
NAACP did not go far enough. Are we not in court now trying to determine if the entire board broke the law? Wonder what this is costing the citizens of Pitt County? If the board can show no wisdom than leading us into gray areas of the law, SEND THEM ALL HOME.
Posted by: Cactus Location: Strabane, NC on Jul 20, 2008 at 09:34 PM
The NAACP has raised its head again. But they refuse to work in the black "hoods" to reduce crime among young people, and instill in the young people that getting an education is the only way out of the "hood" thing.
Posted by: tired of trivial nonsence Location: NC on Jul 20, 2008 at 09:29 PM
Im sorry but if its not about race then Why is the NAACP getting involved??? Stupid trivial BS like this, where an organization gets involved in something that has NOTHING to do with them just for publicity is why I HATE them! Comment slightly edited.
Posted by: Shelby Location: Greenville on Jul 20, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Bye Peaden. We've seen how the school board and Reep will bow down before the NCAACP and the PCCEBC.
Posted by: bj Location: north carolina on Jul 20, 2008 at 08:58 PM
You are so right. He should be suspened or least until everything is cleared up. Why is he so special. Even when a cop is involved in something he is suspened. If he's not that tells kids it's ok.
Posted by: Baffled Location: Greenville on Jul 20, 2008 at 08:58 PM
I'm sorry but why does the NAACP have to get involved in everything? Maybe they should look to the streets and take care of their gang members that are shooting someone every night!! Clean up the hood! Stop looking for random places to step up. Granted, I'm all for those who do wrong to not have positions but....c'mon!
Posted by: Max Location: Greenville on Jul 20, 2008 at 08:54 PM
This is exactly what is needed. Mr Peaden should also be removed from the Hospital Board effective immediately. He actions demonstrate that he is above the law. This is another fine example of someone with good connections trying to escape the consequences of his actions. I do not want a person of such questionable character making decisions that will affect my child or my healthcare. Come on Reep, take action right now.
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