The New Jersey-based American Atheists group has suspended its president and launched an investigation over an undisclosed complaint related to a violation of the organization's code of conduct.
Religion News Service reported last week that American Atheists President David Silverman has been placed on leave due to a complaint related to "alleged violations of the American Atheists code of conduct and staff handbook."
A statement released by the organization's board of directors on Tuesday noted that Silverman has indicated his willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
"While Mr. Silverman is on leave, American Atheists will continue our work protecting the separation of religion and government, elevating the voices of atheists in our nation's public discourse, and supporting our members and atheist communities across the country," read the statement from American Atheists Board of Directors Chair Neal Cary.
The statement did not disclose the nature of the complaint against Silverman. Cary stated that he and Vice President Kathleen Johnson will take over Silverman's duties while he remains suspended.
Nick Fish, the national program director for American Atheists, noted that the suspended leader will still receive his salary while on leave. He further stated that the organization cannot release any more details about the allegations because it is a "personnel matter."
Silverman, who became president of the group in 2010, frequently appears on national television to discuss the removal of religious symbols from public property as well as other issues like the so-called "War on Christmas."
American Atheists has become infamous for its billboards bashing Christmas and calling on Americans to "skip church" during the holidays.
In a 2014 interview with The Christian Post, Silverman said that the organization's billboards are intended to help atheists co-exist with theists in mixed families.
"We are using these billboards to spur intra-family communication, because we believe the communication is desperately needed," he stated at the time.
In March, three major atheist organizations cut ties with physicist Lawrence Krauss after several women accused him of sexual harassment.
Despite his denial, Krauss was removed from the pool of featured speakers of the American Humanist Association.
The Washington, D.C.-based group further noted that it is looking into rescinding Krauss' 2015 Humanist of the Year Award.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation also issued a statement noting that it cut ties with Krauss, shortly after the controversy was picked up by Buzzfeed.
Additionally, the Center for Inquiry announced that it has suspended its relationship with Krauss as it awaits more information regarding the allegations.
Krauss has insisted that the story published on Buzfeed was "a libelous story defaming me specifically, and by association the skeptical and atheist community in general."
