Why did the national NAACP suspend the president of the East St. Louis chapter?

The East St. Louis branch of the NAACP has a new leader — at least for now.

Stanley Franklin, who has been president of the NAACP chapter 3013 for more than a decade, has been suspended, said State President Teresa Haley.

Haley did not provide any details of why he was suspended. The decision was made by the national NAACP office and went into effect on Friday, Haley told a BND reporter following an unrelated press conference in East St. Louis Monday.

Franklin confirmed the suspension, but declined additional comment.

Andrew Bailey, who has been serving as vice president of the local branch, is filling Franklin’s role on an interim basis, he confirmed Monday. He said doesn’t know how long he’ll have to hold the seat, but estimated it would be for two to three weeks.

Bailey also said he doesn’t know what led Franklin’s suspension and does not want to speculate. He would only confirm that Franklin is “inactive” at this time.

Bailey is a retired educator from East St. Louis School District 189. He taught elementary special ed and regular education. He currently substitutes at various schools.

Anyone who needs help from the local branch of the NAACP should call 618-271-4648.

This story was originally published December 7, 2021 at 11:51 AM.