Published: July 14, 2009 11:35 pm      

Sensitive topics discussed at third community education forum

Meridian Public School District Superintendent Charles Kent was questioned Tuesday night at a community forum about a previous statement he had made, opening up discussion about what some said was a necessary yet sensitive topic: race.

"There's an elephant in the room from last Sunday — What does that mean? I would like to know what the elephant is," asked Cynthia Griffin Tuesday night at a third community forum on education at Wesley House Community Center. Griffin also was an attendee of the community-invited Educational Forum this past Sunday at Fifth Street Baptist Church.

Kent led the summit this past weekend aimed towards the community and its input. Paramount and complex issues were addressed. Some said Kent focused on an ethical and civil approach in his discussion without moving from the reality of the situation.

Tuesday was the first meeting since the Sunday summit at the church, and Kent's previous "there's an elephant in the room" statement trickled over for questioning.

"The elephant in the room that we don't talk about is race," Kent said Tuesday, responding to Griffin's question.

The purpose of this meeting was the discussion of violence and discipline. Kent, concerned citizens, and principals Jonas Crenshaw of Magnolia Middle School, Martha Walker of Carver, and Kim Kendrick of Northwest were in attendance. Solutions were offered as questions arose about future program plans for efficient communication, raising the self-esteem of students, and addressing school violence and discipline.

However, the topic of race continued to surface.

"It's not always about race, it's about an investment (in the student)" voiced Melody Pennington, former teacher and present academic interventionist at Meridian High School.

Most in the audience — despite race, status, and background — agreed with passionate applause.

"We must sit together and discuss some of the cultural issues and some of the things that have been taking place in this community over the years," Kent said. "If we don't talk to each other, then we won't know and won't be able to build those gaps. If you watch smaller children — they don't care what color is."

Through this historical misunderstanding the room found an understanding through the discussion of a sensitive topic: race.

"We need to quit saying black community, white community. We're in the same community," said Ginger Grissom Stephens, director of Wesley House Community Center.

Kent said the most important element in all of this is simple: our children.

M.L. Waters, owner of Waters International Trucking Company, has donated one camera system each to both Lauderdale and Meridian Public Schools to support the efforts in diminishing violence and enforcing productive discipline. Parents fervently asked about how they could become involved with not only their children but also the resources of each other. The principals also were discussing the experimentation of new ideas such as the Thumbs Up Plan and ways to help children whose problems weave deeper than misbehavior.

Griffin ended with a closing: "I hope we have a plan to get the elephant out of the room."

Kent's response: "The reason I take chances for students is because I choose to."