It looks like the feds are coming to Raleigh next week to hear from the public as part of the civil rights investigation of the Wake County school system.
Cash Michaels is reporting on his blog today hat the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights will hold the public meeting on May 4 from 7-9 p.m. at Martin Street Baptist Church, 1001 E. Martin Street in Raleigh. His source is the state NAACP, which filed the complaint.
It's not uncommon for OCR to hold public meetings during an investigation. The feds held a public meeting in Wayne County to investigate the NAACP complaint against that school district.
Martin Street Baptist is one of the centers for opposition to the school board majority so it's likely that supporters of the old diversity policy will turn out in force next week.
Comments
It's time to pull tax exempt status
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 09:11 — FSandYOUfrom Martin Street Baptist and the others who no longer preach just the gospel from their pulpits.
They preach hate and
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 07:55 — woodstockThey preach hate and division. They've ceased to be a church and have become a extreme left-wing political organization. It is very odd that this racially identifiable organization is preaching to others about "diversity." Is it a joke.
If the government pulled tax
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 21:36 — Andrew95If the government pulled tax exemption from all the churches with political leaning, there would be about half the churches there are today.
...
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 22:00 — SideburnsI think churches are allowed to discuss and advocate political issues. They just can't be involved in political campaigning -- for or against candidates.
They "shouldn't" be involved
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 22:09 — woodstockThey "shouldn't" be involved in political campaigning -- for or against candidates. The leadership at the Martin Street Babtist Church clearly are involved in those things.
duplicate
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 22:09 — woodstockduplicate
Cool! Count me in.
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 21:43 — woodstockCool! Count me in.
Can I get an amen on that ???
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 21:39 — CaryCurmudgeonCan I get an amen on that ???
and your point is?
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 21:37 — loriacand your point is?
Hey, if they're fair in
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 21:51 — Andrew95Hey, if they're fair in pulling status from every political church, it's no skin off my nose. I don't go. (when I did, it was a very apolitical church.)
My point is; they don't. The church itself (not just members) have to do something pretty extreme to get status pulled. I'm not entirley sure on the logistics, but obviously there's no "crackdown" on political churches, conservative or liberal.
So, ED's Office of Civil
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 07:50 — woodstockSo, ED's Office of Civil Rights is meeting in the least integrated part of Wake County at an all black church that has agressively opposed the new school board... and they are doing it at the invitation of a notorious race-hustler? Wow! How is that situation in any way conducive to creating an environment for a fair representation of Wake County?
So much for any attempt whatsoever to even appear unbiased or inclusive. The witch hunt continues.
Do civil right only apply to blacks? It would seem so.
I'm curious...
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 12:46 — ego7601Would this meeting fall in the "Establishment of Religion" clause of the first amendment? I was reading an opinion of a supreme court case (Everson v. Board of Education) and the in the opinion, the court interpreted that the clause meant "...Neither a state nor the Federal Government can, openly or secretly, participate in the affairs of any religious organizations or groups, and vice versa." Would the outspokenness of the folks at Martin St. Baptist Church against the school board (and their open affiliation with the complaintant, the NAACP) be constituted as "affairs"?
I am not a lawyer, but I think that it's worth a look into this to see if the meeting can get moved to different location (one that may be seen as less hostile). Not to mention, there are plenty of non-Christian parents that may feel uncomfortable going to a Christian church to discuss their child's education. And does anyone know where the meetings in Wayne County were held?
Perhaps they picked a
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 10:04 — magnetParentPerhaps they picked a location that is easily accessible by public transportation for those who need it. Do you have an issue with that?
?
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 12:02 — Bob_SconceAnd by some strange coincidence they happened to pick one of the centers of activity for the folks in opposition to the board majority?
"Hey Tom.... We need to figure out where in Raleigh to hold our meeting. Check out what's available."
"Sure, George. Well, there are plenty of meeting facilities at the local hotels -- there's a new Marriott downtown and a Sheraton. Plus, there's this new convention center. There's also Memorial Auditorium that actually has three separate places we could meet. There are a bunch of high schools with appropriate auditoria. NC State has lecture halls with enough space. There are also a few theaters in the area. How do those sound?"
"No, Tom. Let's find a church."
"A church?"
"Yup, a church."
"Well, OK. There are a number downtown that have enough space -- there's First Presbyterian, Christ Church, Edenton Street Methodist, Sacred Heart Cathederal, First Baptist, Church of the Good Shepherd."
"Keep going. See if you can find something near a park. I like parks."
"Ok, there's this Martin Street church."
"Ah, that sounds great. Let's go there."
...
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 10:39 — SideburnsLOL.
Perhaps they picked the location because it starts with the letter M.
Yes, I do indeed have an
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 10:15 — woodstockYes, I do indeed have an issue with it. There are plenty of places to hold meetings what are easily accessible and not so clearly partisan.... like the new civic center for one which has a bus stop at the entrance.
Also, I hope there will be enough seating/access so that public participation is not restricted. Maybe Jim Goodmon will offer to pay for a larger venue... a couple hours before the meeting.
BTW Do you honestly beleive the location was chosen for accessibility concerns? It is a county school system, Martin Street is hardly the most accessible place in the county.
Why do you say that Martin
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 11:00 — magnetParentWhy do you say that Martin Street is hardly the most accessible place in the county? It is practically in the center of the county. Moore Square Station is off of Martin Street. All CAT bus lines stop there. (not something that can be said about the civic center). Sure the Civic Center could have been an option, if it is available, but it would have a cost.
I didn't know that a building could be "partisan". Since it is a public meeting, it will be as partisan as the people that choose to attend it. If you are so worried about it, make sure you rally up enough of your party to go. (You can even take public transporation to get there :-)
You've got to admit that
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 14:50 — jenmanYou've got to admit that Martin Street Baptist Church is not really a neutral place for a public meeting on this topic. If there are several meetings, then having one at MSBC is not a big deal but if this is the only meeting then it seems a bit odd to me.
I know you were really goading Woodstock, but yes, I'd be fine with Enloe. I'd also be fine with SRHS, Broughton, Millbrook, Athens, Knightdale, Cary, Sanderson. . . . Really anyplace that's not too far out in the edges of the county.
Why all the bus line stress?
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 13:58 — FSandYOUWhy are you so fixed on the meeting place having bus line access? Do you think there will be that many who don't own cars showing up? There never is, I doubt this will be any different. Every cry baby who shows up to bitch about this board will be sticking the knife in our school system's back, not the board members they despise.
You can always ask Yvonne to pick them up on her way.
Funny how all the
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 14:24 — magnetParentFunny how all the complaining that neighborhood schools are necessary so that the parents can be involved in their childs education and now that there is a meeting centrally located for all to be involved you complain about them being accomodated? What are you (you in the general sense) trying to hide? Let those who are affected by these changes the most have their say. What are you (you in the general sense) afraid of?
You
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 17:39 — FSandYOUbrought up the bus line/ transportation thing. More than once I might add.
Walk, take a bus, call a cab, ride with Yvonne, watch it on skype, don't go. I could care less.
It's not the parents who will show up anyway. It will be the same circus act that's showed up at all the other media/investigation events.
So...
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 15:03 — Bob_SconceFunny how you're all worried about people being able to use public transportation to get to/from this event, but didn't notice that although this event doesn't start until 7pm, many buses start their last run out of town at 6:30.
See, for example, the bus to Chavis Heights: http://www.raleighnc.gov/content/PWksTransit/Documents/CATBusSchedules/CAT_13_Out.pdf
Or these...
http://www.raleighnc.gov/content/PWksTransit/Documents/CATBusSchedules/CAT_02_Out.pdf http://www.raleighnc.gov/content/PWksTransit/Documents/CATBusSchedules/CAT_04_Out.pdf
http://www.raleighnc.gov/content/PWksTransit/Documents/CATBusSchedules/CAT_08_Out.pdf
Understood and I noticed
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 15:50 — magnetParentUnderstood and I noticed that later. That makes it even more important to be located somewhere they can walk to, doesn't it? I just don't see why it matters. Its not like they are going to be restricting entry to those that don't agree with them. Its a building. Its a public meeting. That is all. Really, why all the conspiracy theories?
Not really a public meeting...
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 16:49 — midtownmomif it's held at a church. I personally would feel uncomfortable attending any type of meeting in a church, rather than a public venue, like a school.
Don't let the selected venue
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 06:16 — DrActualFactualDon't let the selected venue phase you. It is like the enemy in an urban warfare setting selecting a graveyard to conduct their current assault. Martin St. Baptist church is nothing but brick and mortar buildings to a non-member. We are free to bring anti-war protest signs, free to speak, swear up a storm if you like--it is just a building chosen for a meeting with no special significance for most of us. There probably won't even be security hired. Remember, a current Iraqi palace is now a Green Zone battle operation headquarters.
Okay, okay, you convinced me
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 16:10 — woodstockOkay, okay, you convinced me beyond any shadow of a doubt, you are a dimwit (trust me, that is being kind). Got it!
Who is "they?" Is this only about the people within walking distance of Martin Street Baptist Church? Wake county has over 800+ square miles!
uh
Thu, 04/28/2011 - 23:55 — red_balloonDimwit for being in disagreement?
You too?! LOL So, you also
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 07:50 — woodstockYou too?! LOL So, you also do not understand the inappropriateness of the venue, which by they way was selected by one of the plaintiffs. Yes, one must be a dimwit (again, being kind here) to ignore the obvious bias and race-hustling nature of conducting the Wake Witch Hunt at the Martin Street location.
...
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 08:50 — red_balloonI was commenting on the need to use the word "dimwit".
Huh?... for not recognizing
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 09:11 — woodstockHuh?... for not recognizing the inappropriateness of the venue... chosen by a plaintiff in the lawsuit. Any even minimally intelligent individual would understand that regardless of what side of the argument one may be on. Is that clear enough? I wanted to use the word dumb@$$, but resisted... for now.
Not so much a "..."
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 15:57 — midtownmomthey were very smart to have the meeting held at such an inappropriate venue.
How so?
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 18:09 — woodstockHow so?
I don't know who you are
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 16:42 — magnetParentI don't know who you are referring to when you say "they" but woodstock was calling me a dimwit/dumb@$$ for disagreeing with him.
I wasn't for disagreeing per
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 18:11 — woodstockI wasn't for disagreeing per se, but for not getting that the venue is entirely inappropriate for a fair public meeting. But, maybe that is not the intent.
I saw your earlier comment
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 18:20 — magnetParentI saw your earlier comment about that and I understand that you think it is an inappropriate venue. I disagree. - perhaps you disagree with me (are not getting the fact that...) that I disagree with you. Does that make you a dumb@$$? I guess so.
No, you're still the
Sat, 04/30/2011 - 08:13 — woodstockNo, you're still the dumb@$$. But, thanks for driving that fact home... over and over gain.
Awwwww.... my feelings are
Sat, 04/30/2011 - 08:58 — magnetParentAwwwww.... my feelings are hurt
Not.
I assumed you are capable of
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 16:29 — magnetParentI assumed you are capable of driving into Raleigh to attend. Sorry if I assumed too much. Should they have the meeting at your subdivision clubhouse instead so that YOU can attend? There is no one ideal location to hold this meeting. I've been hearing for the last year-and-a-half how the families in Raleigh need to go to their neighborhood school so that the parents can be involved. That many don't have transportation to get to the 'burbs. So let them be involved. Geez. There is NO conspiracy. They will let even you in the building. They will let even you speak.
I figured this riddle out!
Thu, 04/28/2011 - 10:23 — nancyncMagnetparent believes that only the poor and those impacted by the civil issue this is supposed to be {wink, wink} addressing live within walking distance of the church, out of all the rest of Wake County, there are none who would want to attend that are so poor to not have transportation!
Took me a while to figure that one out ;)
I guess you ignored the part
Thu, 04/28/2011 - 10:45 — magnetParentI guess you ignored the part where I said "There is no one ideal location to hold this meeting". So put the meeting where the most impacted are able to attend. Where exactly would you propose to hold such a meeting? (I'm not asking which building, but approximately what part of Wake County? Cary? Wake Forest? No. Make it as accessible as possible - downtown Raleigh). The church is free. The other locations in downtown Raleigh that were suggested are not. What is the big deal?
I don't know who you are winking at and I never said it only affects those that live near the church. There really is no riddle here so don't rack your brain to hard - you might cause some permanent damage. Geez.
So...
Thu, 04/28/2011 - 11:19 — Bob_SconceDowntown Raleigh makes sense, but so would someplace around NCSU. Having it in a church, especially this church, does not. It should be in a more neutral location.
You have to admit that the choice certainly makes OCR appear biased. (Why not just hold it in Rev. Barber's living room?) It seems to me that they should be avoiding that appearance. The convention center is a few blocks away and has far more appropriate facilities.
The cost is a silly issue. First of all, we don't actually know that Martin Street is allowing them to use the facility for free. Secondly, it's not like renting out a large enough space is going to cost $10,000 or anything -- the OCR folks probably spent more on their plane tickets down than they would on renting an appropriate facility.
Taking a cursory look at the
Thu, 04/28/2011 - 11:35 — magnetParentTaking a cursory look at the convention center's schedule and it seems quite full this week. I am sure other places downtown get booked way in advance as well. I don't know the logistics of how they came to decide on the Martin Street Baptist Church, and I really don't care. I don't see it as a hostile place. Would you really not attend out of fear of "angry attendees"? These "angry people" would be at any other location - as long as they are able to get there. (or is the goal to have it someplace that is not easy to get to so that the attendance is low?) So, I am curious by your comment - any church is not appropriate? why?
Well...
Thu, 04/28/2011 - 13:12 — Bob_SconceWhile I don't think there should be any sort of absolute ban on governments using church buildings, I think they should generally try to avoid it, especially for official meetings. But, I hvae a different take than you might expect -- my concern is that it might be seen to put the Church's endorsement on whatever actions happened. Consider, for example, pictures you see of preachers with the cross in the background. Now, consider a similar picture taken of, say, Mayor Meeker with the same cross in the background.
As to the "would you really not intend" question, perhaps. I would certainly feel far more intimidated showing up there than I would at a neutral location.
I don't think I've suggested going to an inconvenient place -- the convention center is, what, 3 blocks away?
As I pointed out - the
Thu, 04/28/2011 - 13:49 — magnetParentAs I pointed out - the convention center seems quite full next week. I would be fine with the meeting there since it is similarly accessible. But I am not the one complaining about its current location. It doesn't bother me at all.
Uh...
Thu, 04/28/2011 - 14:04 — Bob_SconceYou're presuming the date is set in stone -- they could choose a day that there's space at the convention center. Besides, the convention center is a big place and can handle a number of events at once.
And you're presuming that
Thu, 04/28/2011 - 14:23 — magnetParentAnd you're presuming that the date is not set in stone and that they did not look into the convention center (or other locations) as an option. I know it can handle a number of events at once - they have 7 events on their schedule next week - many overlapping.
We're beating on a dead horse here. Over and out.
I see you are still droning
Thu, 04/28/2011 - 12:12 — woodstockI see you are still droning on about this. Maybe they could move the meeting to Civitas over by NC State. Easy to get too, plenty of public transportation, and everyone could head over to Player's Retreat for a drink afterward.
Actually, since the meeting
Thu, 04/28/2011 - 12:36 — magnetParentActually, since the meeting is not going to be moved, and I am fine with where it is, aren't you the one that is droning on about this?
LOL @ magnetparent. Lighten
Thu, 04/28/2011 - 13:20 — woodstockLOL @ magnetparent. Lighten up. To quote Ferris Bueller" "...you shove a piece a coal up your @$$, in two weeks you have a diamond."
I told you I was fine with the current location. In fact, I LOVE that this race-hustling side show is going to put on display at the Martin Street Political Headquarters.
If those who don't agree with the Martin Gang
Thu, 04/28/2011 - 16:34 — FSandYOUshow up to have their voices heard LOUDLY, just like those who've been arrested and caused their trouble at other previous meetings, I wonder how that would be handled in this venue?