BLACK STUDENT ARRESTS IN NC
ARE AMONG WORST IN NATION
By Cash Michaels
Contributing writer
In North Cr
Black students in North Carolina are six times (5.81) more likely to be arrested during school and school activities than white students, according to the US Dept. of Education Civil Rights Data Collection from the 2015-2016 school year.
And according to a recent report, nationally, the trend is growing.
9.2 black students per 10,000 were arrested, compared to just 1.6 white students. 147 black students out of every 1,000 were suspended in North Carolina, compared to 44 white students per 1,000, according to the data. Despite making up just one-fourth of the students attending school in North Carolina, black students account for 50% of all students suspended.
The states beyond North Carolina with a higher ratio of black student arrests compared to white are Iowa, Rhode Island and West Virginia.
More than 600 students were arrested statewide at public schools, on school buses and transportation, or at off-campus activities during that school year.
Keith Sutton, a Wake School Board member and president of the North Carolina Caucus of Black School Board Members, told a Raleigh TV station that compiled the numbers that that the numbers are “alarming, but not surprising.”
So what is North Carolina doing about it?
Both Gov. Cooper and Republican legislative leaders have pushed increasing funding for more school counselors, school nurses, and social workers. Cooper proposed in his budget at least $40 million, but GOP legislative leaders earmarked $35 million in their new budget just released Tuesday.
Republicans say this is a process, and more funding will be in the offing.
Gov. Cooper’s spokesman, Ford Porter, countered, accusing Republican lawmakers of “misguided priorities” and “shortchanging youth mental health and school safety.”
The governor wanted to see tax cuts shelved in the 2018-19 state budget, so that more funding could be appropriated, but GOP legislative leaders are not allowing any amendments during floor debate, and are expected to hold just an up or down vote on their budget, thus not allowing any changes.
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STATE NEWS BRIEFS for 5-31-18
by Cash Michaels
REPUBLICAN LEADERS READY TO PASS $29.9 BILLION BUDGET
[RALEIGH] With some debate, but no prospect of amendments, the Republican-led NC General Assembly is ready to pass it’s $29.9 Billion budget for fiscal year 2018-19. Despite withering criticism from Democrats and others, Republican leaders say not allowing any amendments to their proposed budget is the most efficient way to proceed, will save taxpayers money, and get lawmakers home in plenty of time to start campaigning for the November midterm elections. When passed (Republicans have a supermajority to pass anything they want, regardless of Gov. Cooper’s veto) teachers and state employees will get raises, and will also put money towards Hurricane Matthew recovery. If the budget is passed this week, it most likely will be taken up next week.
MILDRED “MAMA DIP” COUNCIL, OWNER OF POPULAR RESTAURANT, DIES
[CHAPEL HILL] Her food is known all over the state, along with her restaurant’s friendly atmosphere and her warm, embracing smile. Her fried chicken and biscuits were to die for. That was the legend of “Mama Dip’s Kitchen”, the popular Chapel Hill black restaurant that was the “go-to” place for visitors, students, and everybody else in the area for many years. Mildred “Mama Dip” Council, 89, died last week. She was remembered for her warmed, and skills in the kitchen, and at business. Her children are carrying on the business.
LAWMAKERS WANT TIGHTER BACKGROUND CHECKS ON ELECTION WORKERS
[RALEIGH] State House lawmakers have unveiled a measure requiring all state and county election board employees to undergo criminal background checks and fingerprinting. If a conviction is found on one’s record, they can either lose their job, or not be hired if they are applying. County election boards would also be required to submit personnel files to the State Board of Elections, for the purpose of supervising elections. The legislature has yet to take up the issue on the House floor.
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