Recent Events at American Atheists

A week or so ago, I was checking the American Atheists website to see if I could find out more about the latest convention and perhaps find videos of the presenters there. I didn’t find any convention videos, but I did find this message:

“Following over 13 years of outstanding service to American Atheists and the cause of State-Church Separation, Ellen Johnson is leaving her post as President of the organization. “

from http://www.atheists.org

The language seemed to suggest that Johnson left her post willingly. However, when I visited the organization sponsored blog I learned that she was removed from office. The blog is apparently run by Dave Silverman, Communications Director for American Atheists. On May 7, 2008, Silverman made this post on his blog:

http://www.atheists.org/nogodblog/index.php/2008/05/07/we_re_still_waiting

Ellen Johnson does not appear to have made a public statement since she was removed from office.

Later on May 7, 2008, Silverman made this post:

http://www.atheists.org/nogodblog/index.php/2008/05/07/special_official_statement_re_ellen_john

For nine days, there were no apparent further public statements about Johnson’s departure. The next post on Silverman’s blog about this topic is dated 5/16/08. Here it is:

http://www.atheists.org/nogodblog/index.php/2008/05/16/president_zindler_answers_questions

The next post is dated 5/22/08, and although it does not directly mention the firing of Ellen Johnson, it seems to be related to it:

http://www.atheists.org/nogodblog/index.php/2008/05/22/toward_the_future

The next and most recent public post regards the resignation of a member of the Board of Directors of American Atheists. Here it is:

http://www.atheists.org/nogodblog/index.php/2008/05/30/bart_bows_out

Bart later requested that Silverman post his entire resignation letter. The letter seems to finally explain what happened with the firing of Ellen Johnson. Scroll down about six comments to read the letter.

So there it is. I wanted to put links to these statements into one document so others wouldn’t have to dig around as I did.