NAACP Headquarters Blocks Chapter's Invitation to Education Secr

[cal04]

NAACP Headquarters Blocks Cleveland Chapter's Invitation to Education Secretary


The state NAACP has withdrawn a convention speaking invitation to U.S. Education Secretary Rod Paige at the request of the group's national office.

Paige, who was invited three weeks ago to discuss education reforms, was cut from the weekend program at the request of the national office, Ohio NAACP President Sybil Edwards-McNabb said Thursday.

The state meeting of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was opening Friday in Cleveland.

Edwards-McNabb said national NAACP leaders told her there was an "imbalance" in her slate of convention speakers. She said she had invited President Bush and the Democratic nominee for president, Sen. John Kerry. Bush agreed to send Paige, she said, but Kerry did not respond.

John White, spokesman for the national NAACP based in Baltimore, said he was unaware that Edwards-McNabb had been directed to cut Paige, who is black. Paige's office said the invitation was withdrawn Tuesday. "They said, 'Thanks, but no thanks,'" according to Susan Aspey, Paige's press secretary, who said Paige was disappointed.


http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBHBZD5YYD.html

[JSJ]

1. housers not welcome n/t