NAACP rejects Hairfield's apology; calls for investigation of racist e-mail

The Burke County branch of the NAACP wants an investigation of whether Burke County school board member Rob Hairfield knowingly distributed racist jokes over the Internet.

Barbara Myers, president of the Burke County branch, released an open letter to the school board Chair Tracy Norman. It says:

"While Mr. Hairfield has attempted to apologize for utilizing racist, stereotypical and offensive internet communication, his apology is not accepted. The use of the 'N' word, particularly by a public figure, ... verbally or electronically is not free or protected speech. The N.C. Supreme Court some years ago in the Spivey case removed a sitting district attorney from office for using the 'N' word in public after hours at a bar. The racist edge of the jokes that we know about — both read and allegedly sent by Mr. Hairfield — are not funny.

"We cannot accept any apology until we know exactly what has happened, because an apology may not be enough. If he in any way knowingly read and sent racist e-mail, we must call for his resignation.

"That is why we are calling for a meeting with the school board chairman and we want a full tracing of e-mail and tracking to see what was done and who else may be involved.

"Even the very presence of this kind of activity should cause the entire community to be outraged. And (if) anyone knowingly, willfully engaged in such activity, we as a community should demand their resignation.

"The mindset reflected in these egregious acts (is) not excused by a visit to an NAACP banquet, having a few black friends or an attempt to present them as being humorous.

"The Burke County NAACP will be calling on the state along with the national body to consider both legal and public pressure to deal with this issue as we investigate these matters."

In addition to Myers' signature, the open letter is signed by the Rev. Dr. William Barber, president of the N.C. State Conference. The N.C. NAACP has more than 15,000 members.

Myers said the local branch — which has about 150 members — is requesting an investigation rather than immediately demanding Hairfield's resignation from the school board. She said the branch received only photocopies, not original digital e-mail, and she's aware that printouts could be faked.

Hairfield has admitted forwarding an e-mail self-described as "a racist joke" as well as other e-mails that some people might find offensive. His public apology appeared in Wednesday's edition of The News Herald.

The school board's policy manual has a procedure for starting an investigation of allegations against a board member.

Policy 1.2360, which adopts by reference N.C General Statute 115C-39, states, "In case the Superintendent of Public Instruction shall have sufficient evidence that any member of a local board of education ... is guilty of immoral or disreputable conduct, he shall notify the chairman of such board of education.... Upon receipt of such notice, there shall be a meeting of said board of education for the purpose of investigating the charges and, if the charges are found to be true, such board shall declare the office vacant."

Late Thursday afternoon, about 24 hours before Myers released the branch's open letter, Burke County School Superintendent David Burleson said he received phone calls from people concerning the jokes, but no actual copies.

"If I were to get one of those e-mails, if I had some evidence, I would be obligated" to inform the board chair, Burleson said. "All I have right now is hearsay information. But if I had a copy of those that had his name on it I would definitely share that with the school board chairman and say, 'This is something I feel the board needs to address.'"

Myers on Friday said she was not aware of the board policy, but will discuss it and possible action with the Burke County NAACP branch.