On another post Anonymous said:
"A bit off topic too. Was anyone struck by the hatred that Mark Brentley
expressed regarding Mifflin School at the board meeting? I understand
that there was a racial incident in the fall. His hate filled comments
were shocking none the less. I understand that Ms Kennedy represents
that school and was somewhat surprised that she nor Ms Lane,nor Mr. May
did not respond. The issue was to start a whole school team environment
program but his vitriol seem to stop any dialogue to make things better.
I was disappointed that the board does not seek to work for positive
expressions and will shut down any discussion that they find
uncomfortable.
With all of the teachers on this board, is there
anyone who would speak to what kind of school Mifflin is? Brentley's
solution was to pull the AA students and open a school in Hazelwood."
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7 comments:
Whoa! There must be OUTRAGE (which is not "hatred") regarding what happened at Mifflin. Board members, all, should express outrage that conditions at this school have festered to the point that this outrageous, criminal act of "hatred" occurred.
Can you imagine the suggestion of pulling all white children out of a predominantly AA school due to a "racial" incident? Would that not be considered an extremely racist response? Yet, when it is suggested by Mr. Brentley - SILENCE. Yes, this was a racist act that occurred but to "pack it up" and move all AA students out is just a ridiculous suggestion.
BRAVO to the 'enth' degree for Mr. Brentley's outspoken outrage at the Mifflin incident. He also spoke out about the testimony given by white women at a PPS Public Hearing a few months ago. It is very clear that the Mifflin community harbors deeply racist "attitudes". Burning crosses is not an incident to be taken lightly. It was an "extremely racist response" to the Black population being bussed into a clearly hostile neighborhood. Perhaps the closing should have been Mifflin instead of Burgwin.
What African American parent should be forced to BUS their children OUT of their own neighborhood into a neighborhood that BURNS CROSSES?
"Ridiculous" states 5:33? Really???
Also, please do some research on the definition of "racism".
That definition would be worth sharing with constituents!.
It wasn't the whole "Mifflin" community that has racist attitudes. It was one (or a small group) of idiots who burned that cross into the grass. Are you trying to say that racist activities don't also happen in mostly African American areas of the city? Why does education have to be focused so much on color? I thought we were here to educate ALL children. It's the parents that allow their children to fail in most cases, not the teachers. How much can you accomplish in under 7 hours a day, 5 days a week. The parents have to instill some values into their children.
The entire neighborhood didn't burn crosses. A person burned the cross on the lawn. Yes, there are clearly racist people in the world. Blaming the entire white community for one person's act is the equivalent of blaming the entire black race for the violence that happens in East Liberty. How about all whites pull out of CAPA after the black student punched the teacher in the alley way. Is that a logical response to that isolated racist act? How about all of the white students that were bussed to the Hill District in the 80's and 90's even though they had neighborhood schools. It's called desegregation but clearly Mr. Brentley wants to go back to segregated neighborhood schools…for safety reasons of course...
Thank you for posting my original comment. I thank the other posters for their opinions also. Having just watched this weeks meeting, I'm glad that the board addressed this issue in more depth. I can understand the visceral emotions but I was so heartened to hear from Ms Holley expressing feelings of healing and cooperation. This is the take away that I thought would help the children to make a better future. Ms Kennedy did speak also. As the board rep for that district I wish that she would have been more insightful, especially since she doesn't seem to be at a loss for words on everything else.
I must confess that I was worried that this new board would be in lockstep with incendiary positions but I am starting to hear independent thinking. I believe that this will positively effect the district. Mr Sumpter is leading with just the right deftness.
I'm again disappointed with the exchange and unfair accusations Mr Brentley leveled against Mr. Ira Weiss, the solicitor. He was giving a necessary opinion and Mr. Brentley was outrageously rude and misconstrued the meaning of the letter. His hard headed reactions are taking away valuable time and energy from more important business.
I wish that a more serious candidate would be elected to his seat.
I usually agree with Mr. Brentley-- and I do feel his frustration and actual fear that comes from sending students into a dangerous situation. Newsflash to all-- I wouldnt want my white child around cross-burners!
That said-- separate but equal never worked either.By far the best ways we solved education and integration was:
comprehensive middle schools bringing students from various neighborhoods together
magnet schools-- again bringing students from various neighborhoods together
Look at what worked new smart board!
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