BRADENTON, Fla. — Rodney Jones has been suspended from his position as the president of the Manatee County chapter of the NAACP.
- NAACP suspends Manatee County chapter president
- Rodney Jones thinks action was taken for his criticism of police
- He was removed from rcecent Brandenton City Council meeting
- More Manatee County headlines
A letter dated June 20 states that both his spot as local president and NAACP membership were immediately suspended. The letter was signed by Derrick Johnson, NAACP president.
"You are hereby directed to cease and desist from acting or holding yourself out as President of the Manatee County Branch," the letter read.
While the reasoning for Jones's dismissal was not made clear, the letter stated the decision was made to "protect the NAACP from the danger of irreparable harm."
According to a Facebook post made by Jones, he stated he believes he was suspended for refusing to cease and desist pursuing bad policing.
Over the last few months, Jones has filed numerous complaints against Bradenton Police. He was arrested in May following a Bradenton City Council meeting where he explained his concerns to local leaders.
He was removed from the meeting by officers following an outburst when he exceeded the allotted time limit for public comment.
"When that started happening, headlines started making papers and blogs and social media sites, I think the NAACP ultimately made a decision," said longtime NAACP member Keenan Wooten.
Wooten supports Jones and feels he was not given due process.
Former Vice President Tarnisha Cliatt has stepped in as president.
Jones has 15 days from the date of the letter to file an appeal.
He declined to comment on the matter.