Parent gets support for word protest

By Sherry Jones Staff Writer sherry.jones@wilmingtonstar.com

Frustrated by the lack of public support for Akwana Walker, who complained about her fourth-grader being taught the word "niggardly," two black community members spoke out Monday night at the New Hanover County Board of Education meeting.

Saying she was speaking on behalf of the black community, Wilmington resident Helen Worthy said she's tired of hearing people express sympathy for Williams Elementary School teacher Stephanie Bell for being reprimanded. The victims, she said, are Ms. Walker and her 9-year-old daughter.

Ms. Worthy added that she was especially troubled by comments one school board member made.

"He said he thinks that we are just overly sensitive," she said. "I'm finally beginning to see why some people just don't get it."

In addition, she said the board's lack of support for Ms. Walker has added to the racial division within the community.

"You just won't get it," Ms. Worthy told the board. "And we just can't get over it because you just don't get it."

School officials have said Ms. Bell was reprimanded for her attitude after Ms. Walker complained about her daughter being taught the word "niggardly," which means stingy or miserly.

Ms. Walker has said the word is offensive and was not appropriate for fourth-graders because it sounds like a racial slur.

Robert Dorsey, speaking on behalf of the National Action Network, said Monday night that Ms. Walker had planned to read a letter but could not attend the school board meeting.

Mr. Dorsey proceeded to read an article about the situation from the Wilmington Journal, a newspaper that covers the black community. About halfway through his remarks, Ms. Walker entered the Board of Education building on South 15th Street.

Peering inside the doorway, she stood with her arms crossed as Mr. Dorsey continued with his comments.

"We are very much concerned about this incident," he said. "We'd like to encourage the board to face the problems that come up."

After Mr. Dorsey's remarks, Ms. Walker chatted briefly with supporters in the hallway. She did not ask to address the board, and she declined to be interviewed about her concerns.

But there was some discussion about Mr. Dorsey being cut off during his address. According to school board policy, members of the public can address the board for three minutes.

Shortly after Mr. Dorsey's three minutes expired, Vice Chairman Don Hayes, who was presiding over Monday's board meeting, urged him to wrap up his comments.

The school board members did not discuss the topic. Usually, they do not respond immediately to people who speak during the public comment period.

Sherry Jones: 343-2378

sherry.jones@wilmingtonstar.com

-- Anonymous, October 09, 2002

Answers

three minutes apiece? sounds a little niggardly to me.

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2002