It looks like the Wake County school system will be in the spotlight tonight at a YWCA community forum on racism in the schools.
According to this press release, organizers say they will "take an in-depth look at how racism impacts area public schools." The press release cites the suspension rates for minority and low-income students in Wake.
"Education is intertwined with other social and economic justice issues because they share the same systemic roots with racism and classicism," said YWCA of the Greater Triangle Executive Director Folami Bandele in the press release. "We can and must do better for the futures of our youth, and we will continue to forge conversations in our community challenging these divides."
The forum will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at Martin Street Baptist Church, 1001 E. Martin Street in Raleigh.
The YWCA has been an active figure in the school diversity fight, having opposed the change in the student assignment policy.
Comments
OT
Sat, 05/28/2011 - 11:16 — Sideburnshttp://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-05-27/naacp-under-fire-in-new-york-charter-school-war/#
Wow!Here is a little
Sat, 05/28/2011 - 19:36 — woodstockWow!
Here is a little something to whet the appetite to read the article at the end of that link:
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New York parents are slamming the civil-rights giant for its role in a turf battle that could put 7,000 eager students out of classrooms. John Avlon on why the group is on the wrong side of history this time.
It was an inspiring sight: a protest rally 3,000 strong in the heart of Harlem. Students, parents, and teachers wielding signs and slogans, all standing up for their right to pursue a quality public-school education.
But the target of their anger was unexpected: the NAACP.
And...
“I cannot look her in the eye, as a parent, and tell her, ‘Well, the problem is that this group of people that Mommy told you about during Black History Month, that did all those great things a long time ago—they want to stop you from doing great things.”
Link to video: http://youtu.be/BlyCmNr76EE
...
Sat, 05/28/2011 - 21:50 — SideburnsI like this part:
"But New York NAACP President Hazel Dukes....[said] they “can march and have rallies all day long… We will not respond.”
When is the forum on
Sat, 05/28/2011 - 02:57 — red_balloonWhen is the forum on instilling discipline at home?
I would guess that to some
Sat, 05/28/2011 - 00:52 — HJ2ss2I would guess that to some degree, racism exists in a number of systems, so I don't think Wake County has cornered the market on racism. I have seen racism in the County as well as other discriminatory practices. Content of blog posts focus on studies, statistics but no one addresses the actual behavior on the part of staff and students that is causing the problem. After a 30 year career that focuses on recognizing the symptoms that result in problems, it might be in the systems best interest take a look at what is really going on. In regards to racism, I've seen more of it among parents and faculty than among students. It's much easier to measure behavior, provide statistics quote a study than to take a good hard look at the way people treat one another. Studies provide educated theories, numbers, etc. Analyzing interactions, and attempting to recognize and understand what we might do that perpetuates the problem is not easy but only if one is willing to step back and take a look at what role they may play will we be able to began to put the pieces of the problem together and possibly come up with a viable solution.
Beat the only drum
Thu, 05/26/2011 - 14:57 — nancyncThis is the johnny one note approach, everything is blamed on it. Of course, looking into the causes of all this believed 'racism' would require honesty and breadth, something totally lacking in the approach that everything has been tinged with racism.
How Many Fingers Pointing Back?
Thu, 05/26/2011 - 12:01 — MissVIMO the word racism is bantered around mostly to enrage rather than to solve. The most hideous forms are outside of the school and quite obvious in political circles. Children have more diverse and honest friendships than their parents.
BTW: when pointing fingers at others, how many remain pointing back at the complainant?
The press release refers to
Thu, 05/26/2011 - 09:53 — eddie2The press release refers to these numbers for long term suspensions:
Short-Term Suspensions
15 Most Common Primary Policy Violation # of STS
Non-Compliance 4,598
Fighting/Physical Aggression 4,363
Class/Activity Disturbance 2,326
Intimidation/Disrespect 1,165
Instigation of Fight/Physical Aggression 1,128
Inappropriate Language 1,070
Electronic Devices 764
Theft 625
Threat/False Threat 442
Possession/Use Drugs/Alcohol or Paraphernalia 395
Weapons/Dangerous Instruments-First Violation 307
Gang and Gang Related Activity 291
Tobacco 277
Sexual Harassment 230
Harassment 207
Long-Term Suspensions
15 Most Common Primary Policy Violation # of LTS
Possession/Distribute/Use of Alcohol/Drug/Paraphernalia 186
Possession/Use Drugs/Alcohol or Paraphernalia 116
Fighting/Assault Multiple on One 73
Fighting/Physical Aggression 63
Assault on Student-First Violation 57
Assault on Employee/Adult 53
Gang and Gang Related Activity 46
Weapons/Dangerous Instruments-First Violation 37
Theft 27
Intimidation/Disrespect 24
Instigation of Fight/Physical Aggression 23
Class/Activity Disturbance 21
Threat/False Threat 21
Weapon Used in Dangerous Manner 19
Non-Compliance 19
So the YWCA's efforts are directed at the school system, to reduce the number of suspensions for these violations, rather than at the source of the violations, to reduce the number of violations. Here's a clue, YWCA: if the violations rate weren't so high, the suspension rate wouldn't be so high.
I wonder when they will look
Thu, 05/26/2011 - 09:52 — woodstockI wonder when they will look into racsim at Martin Street Baptist "Church? and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People? That seems long overdue.