As was the case with some of the reaction to President Barack Obama’s comments about Trayvon Martin’s tragic murder; because his statements revolved around race, many Americans; especially European Americans, seemed uncomfortable and reluctant to talk openly and candidly about this unfortunate incident.
The following is not intended to address the gross miscarriage of justice with young Trayvon; that has been the rule rather than the exception for over 300 years in the African American community. The intent is to address matters of race; particularly with reference to the Irving Independent School District.
A visit to the Irving ISD Administration Building will clearly establish that there is almost a total absence of people of color in administrative positions. It doesn’t matter if someone looks at the Athletic Department, Food Services, Operations Department, or the Superintendent’s Executive Council, the complexion is the same throughout – European Americans in charge and in control. Mind you, approximately 85 percent of the student body is Hispanic Americans, African Americans, and Asian Americans.
It was with great anticipation three years ago, that the newly hired African American superintendent, Dr. Dana Bedden, would level the playing field by actively and aggressively recruiting and employing more qualified African American coordinators, directors, as well as assistant and associate superintendents. However, that was a mere pipe dream.
The company line remains as it has been for over 100 years, the Irving ISD must hire, “the best person available, regardless of race.” I have no qualms with that line of thinking, but it certainly begs the questions; why does that “best person available” invariably seem to always be European American? It is hard to convince me that an African American male superintendent, whose career has taken him through Philadelphia, Virginia, and Georgia, could not recruit at least two or three brothers or sisters who were the “best person available.”
This is not meant to be demeaning to his Executive Council, which is composed of all European American and one Hispanic American, however I find it interesting but not surprising, that none of them stood publically in support of the now resigned superintendent when he came under fire by the newly elected Board of Trustees. It was no secret that this board had him on its “hit list” for a myriad of reasons: including, but not limited to the controversy surrounding the recently disposed curriculum (CScope). However, to my knowledge, none of those same “best available” Executive Council members, many he selected and appointed uttered a single word in his support.
Speaking of the Board of Trustees, the African American and Hispanic communities have very clearly stated their support of this new board. The non-participation in the most recent School Board electoral process is reprehensible. The lack of exercising the constitutional right to vote granted through the blood, sweat, and tears of those great pioneers who laid the groundwork for voters’ rights, is disgraceful.
Further, it is shameful that a district with the demographic makeup of Irving did not produce and elect viable minority candidates to provide educational leadership to the children of Irving. As has been verbalized to me on several occasions, some in both communities feel disenfranchised by some of our schools and the central administration. Regardless, it is totally unacceptable for so many of our parents to be so immersed in the athletic and entertainment of our children while being apathetic to their academic and behavioral performance.
It is very disturbing to me that far too many parents are uninvolved and detached from the true mission of our schools; that is, the education of their children with total parental involvement and support.
As the new 2013-2014 school year commences, I employ ALL of our parents and particularly, parents of color, to take a more active role in the education of your children by becoming participating and vocal members of the PTA, the Campus Improvement Committee at your child’s school, the District Improvement Committee, the Parent Advisory Committee, etc. It is also extremely important that you attend Board of Trustee meetings and let your voice be heard and not taken for granted.
Maurice E. Walker
Concerned Citizen of Irving
7/22/13
As usual, Mr. Walker, you say it best!