Ministers target Warren schools’ discipline policy
Ministers target Warren schools’ discipline policy
WARREN — Leaders of an effort to reduce the expulsion rate in city schools vowed to get the board of education to change its zero-tolerance policy against in-school fighting, even if it takes ousting board members from office.
They made their feelings known tonight during a rally sponsored by the West Side Community Coalition at New Freedom Missionary Baptist Church attended by about 100.
“If the board won’t listen, they can be taken out of office,” Fred Harris, former city safety-service director, told the group.
Councilman James A. “Doc” Pugh, D-6th, called on the group to become united so it can force the school board to change its policy because good students are being expelled.
Part of the problem, Pugh noted, is the district administration is hiring teachers from the suburbs who haven’t dealt with the “black experience.”
Pugh, however, who termed the school district policy “selective discipline,” said the group must make the district the best it can possibly be for all students.
“We’re not against the policy. It’s how the policy is being administered” that troubles the group, Pugh said. “The crime doesn’t fit the punishment.”
For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.