Rallies set to pressure change in Warren school policy

WARREN – Two rallies designed to pressure the board of education to take a closer look at its zero-tolerance policy for fighting in school are scheduled for this week.

The Rev. Alton Merrell Sr., pastor of New Jerusalem Fellowship, said the first rally sponsored by the Warren West Side Community Coalition will be at 6 p.m. this evening at New Freedom Missionary Baptist Church, 1590 Tod Ave. S.W.

Pastors from various churches will have a rally at 6 p.m. Wednesday at New Jerusalem Fellowship, 2555 Palmyra Road.

About a dozen black ministers attempted last week to conduct a press conference at the school board offices, after they said they’ve been unable to meet with the administration about the fighting policy.

Schools Superintendent Kathryn Hellweg said then that none of the ministers asked to meet with her. They did, however, talk with Robert Faulkner, school board president.

At issue is the status of three black girls – two of them seniors – who were expelled for fighting.

Read more in Tuesday’s Vindicator and at Vindy.com