[UPDATE: Two commenters below Bridget Wolfe and Reginald Selkirk have given links to a Buzzfeed article about the background to Silverman’s firing.]

I just received the following email from AA:

Last night, the American Atheists Board of Directors voted to terminate David Silverman as president of American Atheists.

Board Chair Neal Cary and Vice President Kathleen Johnson will continue to fulfill the duties of the President while National Program Director Nick Fish oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization.

On April 10, 2018, I let you know that the Board of Directors had placed Mr. Silverman on leave pending an investigation into allegations raised regarding his conduct. The Board of Directors has thoroughly reviewed internal documents and communications related to the initial complaint as well as evidence relating to the additional allegations brought to the Board’s attention. Today’s announcement is based on these findings, and the Board intends to cooperate with any future investigations.

American Atheists is committed to creating and maintaining an environment that is safe and welcoming to all. Based on the allegations made, and the evidence presented, the Board believes it is prudent and necessary to reaffirm that commitment and move forward with new leadership.

The staff of American Atheists will continue our mission to advocate for the absolute separation of religion from government, to elevate the profile of atheism in public discourse, and to build and strengthen communities that fully represent the growing number of atheists in America.

We thank our members, supporters, and volunteers for their dedication and support of our mission.

If you have any questions, please contact our staff at (908) 276-7300 or by emailing contact@atheists.org

Sincerely

Neal Cary
Chair, Board of Directors
American Atheists

As I said, I have no inside knowledge of what happened but it must be serious for this action to be taken.