John P Flannery II Esq

Our County is discussing a report about how “equitable” are our Loudoun County Public Schools. The report says that we have not been “equitable” or “sensitive.” After all, this nation has gone through on civil rights, how is it possible that Virginia still is trying to figure this out at this late date, so long after the war between the states? Eric Williams, the Superintendent of our billion-dollar school system, concluded that the school staff has “a low level of racial consciousness and racial literacy.” Amazingly, the report says, in this day and age, that “people are unclear and fearful on how to participate in conversations about race, let alone respond to racially charged incidents.” I taught High School for several years in the late 60s and 70s. There is nothing mysterious about how to be fair and impartial to students unless you are neither fair nor impartial. The Report makes it clear that there has been disproportionate discipline for students of color but especially African-American students. Students reported that they were the targets of “racist comments and acts of violence from both their peers and teachers.” Not just other students but their teachers. What kind of teacher treats a student this way? And here’s the rub. “Nothing happens!” So, the aggrieved students report. White kids use the n-word and deny they did. Persons of color are humiliated about their skin color and their hair. One student said the teacher “told me to go back to my country. I was in shock, I was born here.” This is not computer science. This is common sense. Sanction the students who use the n-word or threaten other students with assault or abuse. These offenses are serious infractions and there must be punishment up to and including expulsion. The teacher who told a student to go back where he came from, well that case is simple, fire that teacher. The teacher and student will both learn something from such punishment. If persons can get away with this kind of misconduct without any rule or regulation or discipline that punishes their misconduct, we can expect more of the same. The schools must act firmly and quickly so that this misconduct ends now. This report is a shame and a disgrace – it scars the reputation of this County and its citizens. We have to clean up this mess and now.

ON THE LOUDOUN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS “EQUITABLE” ASSESSMENT

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