On Sunday, members of the NAACP unanimously voted to remove Thomas, who is a segregationist, for his views on race relations. Billy had been a member of the group since his freshman year.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will investigate whether or not the student NAACP chapter violated UNC’s non-discrimination policy in dismissing senior Billy Thomas, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Winston Crisp said.

On Sunday, members of the NAACP unanimously voted to remove Thomas, who is a segregationist, for his views on race relations. Billy had been a member of the group since his freshman year. “We are on notice that there is a question as to whether or not a student organization has acted in compliance with the policy or not,” Crisp said. “We take that very seriously and that will be investigated.”

Jake Templeton, general director of the group, said Thomas was not removed for his race (Billy is white) but for his opinions about segregation. He said the views clash with the ideology of the NAACP, which the organization’s constitution mandates members must uphold. “If we allow segregationists to remain members then we really cease to be a civil rights organization,” said Templeton. Another group member was quoted as saying “Duh.”

UNC NAACP is a student organization that receives student fees and is bound by the University’s non-discrimination policy. Between Feb. 17 and June 30, they received $152.20 in student fees. The policy states that groups may limit membership to those who share the beliefs of that group but cannot exclude members based on personal characteristics, including race.

“Our commitment to non-discrimination is bedrock strong but so is our commitment to the First Amendment rights of freedom of association,” Crisp said.

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