NAACP Urges Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools to Reinstate Principal on Leave Amid Unclear Allegations

CARRBORO, NC — The Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP is speaking out forcefully this week, urging district leaders to ensure due process and to reinstate Carrboro High School Principal Dr. Helena Thomas, who was recently placed on paid administrative leave amid a growing controversy.

Dr. Thomas, who has led Carrboro High School since 2023, was placed on leave on June 2, following a student-led walkout protesting what students described as concerns about the school’s current climate.

But NAACP leaders say the district’s actions — taken before any findings of wrongdoing — raise serious concerns about fairness, transparency, and process.

NAACP: “This is a due process issue”

“Anytime somebody is not reporting to work, it is disciplinary — whether labeled that way or not,” said Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP President Herman Foushee at a press conference held Wednesday morning at the Lincoln Center.

“We’re not here to say innocent or guilty. We’re here to say there is a process. That process must be followed and must be transparent.”

The NAACP further expressed concern that Dr. Thomas was not permitted to participate in this year’s graduation ceremony, a significant milestone for both students and school leadership.

“Graduation is the most important event of the school year, and to bar the principal from participating — before the investigation is complete — is concerning,” Foushee added.

District says investigation is ongoing

In response, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools emphasized that the leave is not punitive.

“This paid leave is not a disciplinary measure or a change of job assignment,” district spokesperson Andy Jenks stated. “It is a temporary status so that these matters can be investigated impartially.”

The district has not disclosed the specific nature of the allegations.
However, Jenks said the district is committed to ensuring a fair process:

“We agree with the NAACP that due process is critically important. That’s exactly what’s taking place,” Jenks said. “On the other hand, it takes time to get it right because we need to talk to a lot of people and make sure we are doing as thorough a job as we can.”

Students voice concerns; district remains silent on specifics

The student-led walkout, which took place on May 29, voiced concerns about the school’s climate under Dr. Thomas’s leadership. Some students said they welcomed the investigation as an opportunity to address those concerns and ensure a safer environment.

However, the district has not provided details about the nature of the allegations nor explained what specific complaints led to the investigation.

NAACP calls for fairness, transparency, and reinstatement

For the NAACP, this case raises larger questions about how leaders — particularly leaders of color — are treated in such investigations and how the district communicates with the public during sensitive situations.

The organization is calling on newly appointed Superintendent Dr. Rodney Trice to move forward in line with district policies and principles of fairness.

“We are not asking for special treatment — we are asking for the same process to be applied as would be expected for anyone,” Foushee stated. “Until such time as findings dictate otherwise, this principal should be reinstated and allowed to continue her leadership.”

As of press time, Dr. Thomas has not issued a public comment regarding the matter.