One of the main problems with the way that school and government authorities handled this situation, is that they totally skipped over the fact that the Jena 6 children were students, and as such, they were all protected under education law.
When Mychal Bell had repetitive discipline problems, it was the school’s responsibility to notice, and to question whether he might have a disability that would require special education services. “IDEA requires all states to have a "comprehensive Child Find system" to assure that all children who are in need of...special education services are located, identified, and referred.” If a child has a discipline problem, one of the first things the school should do is consider having testing or evaluations done to see if the child might have a hidden learning disability that causes his frustration and/or an emotional problem which the school could address with counseling and/or a more structured environment. When you are 16 and still in school, educators are supposed to see you as a moldable human being, with potential, who deserves nurturing and redirection. And, an alternative school is a much better placement, a much more appropriate education, and a much less restrictive in environment than a jail.
No one is saying that the 6 young men who beat someone up should not have a consequence. Dropping all the criminal charges would not leave them without consequence. Dropping all criminal charges would bring the responsibility and the solutions back where they belong, at a school-based level. All of the actions, and even the relationships which created those actions, circled around school issues (including mistakes the school had made in its poor handling of previous situations.) So, the consequence for the students could have been and should have been school-based.
Much of the inherent racism can be seen in the fact that when the Jena 6 Students, who were black, caused harm, they were looked at as criminals. Though, when white students hung nooses, it was looked at as a childish prank, even though the real implication was a death threat to a group of other students. White people need to face the real implications of those hanging nooses: It was a cowardly, anonymous death threat to all black people in the area. But, that action was not treated as a crime. The white students who hung nooses were given a school penalty only. First they were threatened with expulsion, then that was watered down, and the noose-hangers were only suspended for a time.
But, when a white student was beat up, even though the victim attended a school function the same evening, the beating was portrayed as attempted murder and as a criminal act, that the government, and not the school, would judge and give out consequences for.
The fact that actions of the white students were dealt with at the school level, and the actions of the black students were taken to the criminal justice level shows the racism in the system and in how justice was applied.
I believe that it is subtle racism that allows white progressives and the media to have been confused into not seeing the schism in how the two sets of students were treated. It is inexcusable racism that the some in the community and in the media have been so willing to view the two sets of students as different--one set as childish pranksters who deserved another chance, the other set as criminals worthy of punishment in the adult criminal justice system. And, the media is an institution which should have access to legal consultants and other professionals who could have noticed the violations of education law.
Education Law for the Noose Incident
Education law also points to better ways for the school to have dealt with the white students that hung the nooses. Those children should not have just had a punishment, they should have had meaningful evaluations and/or some kind of class or therapy to address their behavior. And, the students who hung the nooses could have been placed in another school, so that all the black kids did not have to know that those threatening students were allowed back to potentially threaten them again.
I think it is important and difficult for white people to understand, but once the noose-hangers came back to school, they were still white, and the other kids were still black. So, people who really understand the racism that permeates our culture should realize that the noose hangers came back as overlords to the black kids. If you were black you could feel the injustice, and the fear that those children being in your school would invoke.
I am also surprised that neither the media nor the community have slowed down enough to realize that the noose incident could still be dealt with in the strong way that it should have been. There are very long statutes of limitations on civil rights laws. And, it might give more perspective to the situation, if Jena students (both the Jena 6 and other students) filed class action suits against the school and against government officials for their negligence in dealing with the noose incident. It seems clear that the school did not use due diligence to create safe schools in the manner called for by Louisiana Law RS 17:13.1; The Safe Schools Act of 1994; and The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. To white progressives who say “Dropping all charges against the Jena 6 condones violence,”, I say, “Not stopping now to demand civil rights litigation against the noose-hangers and the school condones hate crimes.”
As the news has pointed out many times, LaSalle Parish District Attorney Reed Walters made the choice that the nooses being hung--which is clearly a death threat--was not a crime, but to beat someone up was not only an adult crime, but was attempted murder. Those two views are not consistent logic. I was captured by the Jena 6 Demonstrator’s analysis, as quoted in the New York Times: “Latese Brown, 40, of Alexandria, La., saw it differently. ‘If you can figure out how to make a school yard fight into an attempted murder charge,’ she said, ‘I’m sure you can figure out how to make stringing nooses into a hate crime.’”
Education Law as applied to the rights of all the black students in the school
Also, if you think about it, you could say this: When the nooses were hung, every single black youth in that school was victimized, threatened and demeaned. The wounds went on for 3 months of various racial tensions, including an arson no one has accounted for. Since every student is entitled to a free and appropriate education, and since every student is entitled to a safe school with no bullying, every single black student in that school should have been given whatever it took to heal them: guidance counseling, outside therapy, peer counseling, a racism workshop with white students to try to heal the bridges. But, the school did not do that. They were negligent. They were stingy. They did not meet the needs of the black students who were victimized. So, when the black students do something wrong, we must also lay partial blame on the school, for the fact that the black students were traumatized, and the school did not do enough to heal them.
I cannot imagine going to school, as a black person, the day after a noose was hung in a tree. The closest I can think of is that one time, shortly after I was engaged to my Jewish husband, there was a threat made against my husband’s synagogue. For the High Holy Days, we all had to go to synagogue with a police car parked conspicuously in front of the building. And, we were told an undercover officer was there to watch us. I know that small bit of experience with the anger and fear that threats create can not compare to how black Americans feel everyday. But, that is the closest I ever got to being the object of a racial threat, and I would not recommend that feeling to anyone.
I will also note that, at least in my situation, the fears created by the threats were addressed by the government. The black students who attended school after the nooses were hung did not get that level of government service and protection.
A group of black kids declare a street corner is for blacks only. They hang out whatever they think will scare away white kids. They are punished by the proper authority for putting up whatever they thought would scare away white kids.
Later a black kid is attacked a group of 7 white kids and left for dead. The attack was because he was black and the white kids did not like something he said. Then let the KKK come down and demand the release of the 7 white kids.
Now let hundreds more outsiders demand the release of the 7 white kids because they are white and some other blacks would not let whites on their corner. What do you think should be done?
The judge did the right thing here. He based his judgment on the crime not the race or outside demands for release. This is one of the few times I applaud the actions of a judge and his actions have protected the rights of minorities.
by
Gallaher (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 608 comments)
on Friday, September 28, 2007 at 5:18:21 PM
what are we telling white children? That your white so your a racist which means you can't have a whites only organization or area? If black children or other non white children feel you are not being inclusive they have a right to demand you white children include them, by force if necessary? however we black children or non white children can have no white children allowed organizations because you are a racist white child! When we become adults we can have a black caucus no whites allowed we can have black Muslim religion no whites allowed we can have all kinds of blacks only organizations no whites allowed but you white racist cant? This is becoming nonsense if white children cant congregate by themselves in one area than no black child should be allowed to do so either and if there are any black children or non whites children only clubs they should be immediately disbanded if they are on government property. we are sending white children a mixed message and sooner or later its going to create animosity. Sometimes Black people cry racism where no racism exists and then they manifest racism. is there racism in America? Yes! Are their Black racists? Yes! Should that child be charged with a crime YES! Jews suffered for four hundred years under the Egyptians should we go back and fine the Egyptians while bringing their children to account indefinitely? Groups band together for protection some band together to oppress others thieves band together to rob honest hard working people. What are we telling white children really?
by
Christopher Ruggiero (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 6 comments)
on Friday, September 28, 2007 at 9:26:47 PM
The first comment does what the article suggests: reverse the situation racially and see how you feel. Apparently that didn't help this guy. I don't like reversing the situation in this case because Bell never should have been charged with murder in the first place. This was a school matter. Blacks were attacked by whites several times before the Blacks retaliated. Are Blacks just supposed to continue to turn the other cheek indefinitely. Just because the white student was knocked unconscious whites believe that deserves criminal prosecution because it fits with their media-influence stereotype of Black men as inherently violent and savage.
The second person says white people deserve the right in a public school, that everyone pays taxes to support, to have a tree reserved just for whites. This is Jim Crow plain and simple. No one can lay claim to public space. That's why people have private property. Whites created a caste system in this country hundreds of years ago and have perpetuated its existence. Statistics on incarceration, drug arrests, racial profiling, employment, healthcare, education and the like all prove that whites are passing racism on from generation to generation. That is outside the realm of deniability. Now for whites to say that they deserve their "own" when everything in society except a few minority organizations is for them is positively ludicrous and insanely selfish. The problem with whites is that they don't see the white privilege thet get so they assume it doesn't exist. When Black History Month comes in February every year some whites decry it when the rest of the year is dedicated to all things white. It is as though whites refuse to share anything with anyone that is not white. Everything is not enough for them. They must have even more than that even thought it's not possible. Whites equate anything negative that happens to them with something positive that happens to Blacks and other US minorities. How ridiculous is that? If whites don't get into college it's because somone Black did. If they don't get a job, it's because someone Black did. Black people are the national scapegoat but we will not accept the responsibility for white personal shortcomings.
I understand perfectly fine that whites don't want their lives negatively impacted because their ancestors practiced slavery but the legacy of slavery lives on because white people and society keep teaching it to children who pass it on to their children. How fair is that to Blacks? To not have chattel slavery but still have the socioeconomic barriers to our happiness and succcess? You cannot have it both ways. Either racism must be expunged or their must be safeguards in place to ensure that Blacks are included at every junction.
In an ideal world for whites that fear Blacks, which is most of them, Blacks would stay moderately integrated with whites at a distance like now but with no rights at all and in the worst jobs with no healthcare and no education, etc. Black people want to separate from whites but all you hear about is White Flight. Blacks don't want to be around whites either, except for Clarence Thomas and Armstrong Williams. We are tired of suffering under this persistent yoke of oppression. I want and demand total geographical separation from whites.
Blacks deserve our on piece of land in this contiguous United States. We were born here and this is our home. We never got forty acres and a mule and I'm tired of working on appealing to the conscience of people that don't have one or suppress it entirely. Most whites continue to tacitly support the imperial misadventues of Bush and Cheney as well all in the name of patriotism, nothing but a euphemism for white supremacy, Manifest Destiny, nativism and exceptionalism. Being white does not make you better than anyone and until whites get that through their thick heads, nothing will change. I am not hopeful. I have gone so far as to not even have children in this country so that they don't have to be subjected to the daily racist mindset of whites and the media. Black people do not have to take this treatment and we will NOT take this treatment any longer.
There will either be equality or there will be total separation of the races. Racism is a mental problem that whites themselves have to repair individually. We will not be your whipping boys any more. If whites refuse us land, as they almost certainly will and have to this day, then expect bloodshed and much of it the longer these conditions exist. Whites don't want Black people to leave them though. They want us here so they can continue to blame us for the ills of society even though whites created this society. We will not comply and we will not continue to accept our de facto role as the boogeyman. If whites fear retaliation from Blacks then stop doing things to cause blowback, just like with Arabs. If whites fear being robbed by Blacks then stop keeping us out of good jobs and education. You will see minority crime plummet when opportunity arises. The problem for whites is breaking the cycle. How could a white man, who has been told for his entire existence that he is the epitome of civilization, ever listen to the words of a Black man that has come to represent the nadir of the same? That is white people's problem, not mine.
by
Nfamous (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 57 comments)
on Saturday, September 29, 2007 at 10:29:24 AM
Whenever a Black Marxist racist shouts bloodshed every American should be concerned! White people get that. This is what we are really talking about. Blacks feel that they can attack whites with violence because they are victims of alleged racism without retaliation. we have courts for this kind of thing that are working mind you better than ever at changing racist attitudes where it counts, in the pocket book. The U. S. military has been outstanding at drumming this in to all the branches and very successful I might add. THE WHOLE YOU OWE US Mentality is part of the problem, this gentleman is still talking about 40 acres and a mule it would really save the white tax payer a lot of money if we paid you off but first lets get to the DEDUCTIONS! Young black men apparently haven't been told that selling drugs is illegal! can we get a refund on how much racist white America is spending on housing black Drug dealers who sell drugs to their white oppressors and other black Americans? we could probably deal with more racist cases if we didn't have to deal with so many drug dealing cases. when I wake up in the morning and look at cleaning toilets or selling drugs I decide to clean the toilets until I get a promotion or can get something better. White racist America does not have a problem with the laws in place to guarantee blacks jobs in every public sector or private sector and that's been working can it work better I am sure it can. So once again can we DEDUCT for that? You wanting your land or country would only bring reality in light because then you can get third world loans from white racist America to run your country like SOME of the the other non- white countries on the planet. can we deduct for that? but lets face it if you don't ask racist white America for a loan you will ask somebody and then they will be your new oppressors. I am an outspoken advocate of REPARATIONS BUT WITH STRINGS ATTACHED. Once paid we do away with all the section eight housing, free abortions, food stamps, Wic and every other free-be handed out by White racist America this republic was never intended to be a socialist government. Now once reparations are paid can we do away with the school system we have to day and let Americans pay for their own education in private institutions? That would be way cheaper for everyone. The best thing that has happened to this country in the last twenty years is the immigration of African Nationals from countries like Nigeria and more people who practice true Islam because its been able to offset the mentality that we are are just a bunch of white devils whether we know it or not. listen, pull yourself up by your bootstraps fight for yourself legally and responsibly like all the rest of us working or middle class America. Once thing on George Bush and the Republicans, They were voted in by Christians and conservatives for very specific reasons, he and the party failed to deliver and the democrats walked backed into congress not because they were voted in but because Christians and conservatives didn't go to the polls!
P.S. the Hispanics aren't crying foul, they are to busy taking over Florida, Texas and Southern California, Black America has swiped the race card so many times that you need to replace the magnetic tape on the back of it because it isn't working anymore. If a White guy says a racist comment well fire him, If a black guy makes a racist comment he is justified because of all the years of oppression and he's like only 34. Black people don't like to be criticized in anything they do and White America is going along with it, silently. I ask the tough questions Why don't you own your neighborhood yet? Why don't you stop your young black men from selling drugs? why do you despise the people that are not black who operate business in your areas? Why wont you snitch on black criminals? I myself cannot believe how many Black people have been gunned down by Black people in Philadelphia. U.S.A. This republic is only as good as ALL of its people are doing. P.S. we cant give you land that really belongs to the American Indian their the only ones getting land, BACK. but if you save your money and get enough commitment from other blacks maybe you can BUY the land to start your own country. I'd like to see you give it a go. also for a good return I would buy stock but you have to sign over mineral rights or some assets as collateral ya know as a secured loan.
by
Christopher Ruggiero (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 6 comments)
on Saturday, September 29, 2007 at 1:21:36 PM
we have a state appeals court and a state supreme court and of course the Federal court system.
Also I am not going to say the prosecutor was overzealous or racist not when you take into consideration COLUMBINE and all these other school shootings. Teachers want tough responses to student actions and prosecutors have complied. Black people were shouting racism so loud that no one could hear the facts and when I heard the facts I thought the child was overcharged but I have some knowledge of the law.
by
Christopher Ruggiero (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 6 comments)
on Saturday, September 29, 2007 at 1:34:30 PM
Will any Black judge Please stand up and admit you
have a white supervisor. what the hell, this position paper appears to be Marxist - Leninist drivel more hell bent on undermining the Constitution of the United States than addressing Justice. you just stated that through out government Black leadership is still subjugated under White rule. That's ridiculous. Black people have had some Autonomy for centuries and total autonomy for decades how they have used it is the only thing subject for review by them if they feel its necessary but definitely not by me.
by
Christopher Ruggiero (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 6 comments)
on Sunday, September 30, 2007 at 1:46:35 AM
To those who are limited in their American Mental Process...
The commonality of Jena Louisiana High School, and Lowndes County High School in Valdosta, Georgia--without the PROTEST??????
1. IS JENA, LOUISIANA A STAND-ALONE INCIDENT OR IS THERE OTHER SMALL TOWNS ACROSS AMERICA WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. BUT HAVE GONE UNNOTICED BY AMERICA’S WHITE DOMINATED MASS MEDIA BY SO CALLED RELIGIOUS LEADERS AND THEIR FOLLOWERS.
ALONG WITH UNJUST JUDGES, SPECIALLY SELECTED JURIES AND JURORS, SELLOUT PUBLIC DEFENDENTS UNEQUAL REPRESENTATION OF BLACKS ON TOO MANY ALL WHITE JURIES, AND MANY OTHER THINGS AMONG US IN AMERICA?
2. As a United States Armed Forces Vietnam Era Veteran. I am eternally happy for the thousands upon thousands of concerned citizens that participated in the Protest March for Justice in Jena, Louisiana on behalf of six American youths. Who could have very well been have been serving in the combat Zone of Iraq or Afghanistan with their lives on the line. So WAS JENA SIX, a stand-alone incident and limited to this small Southern Town?
3. Wait! Be cool, and read what happened at Lowndes County High School located in Valdosta, Georgia on October 3, 2002. Don’t believe me, I may be lying, so let the LINKS of TRUTH, be known and revealed for the good of our beloved Republic! PAINTED BLACK DOLLS ON A TREE: http://whiteprivilege.com/2002/10/09/doll-lynching-at-georgia-school/
4. Valdosta Black Dolls at local High School: Editorial Information/Hate crime or insensitive prank? click here
5. On the record Para. (9), Black Dolls Lynched on a Local High School Tree… (2002), Posted August 3, 2006. “A highly respected Blackman critical of Civil Rights organization, “Backs should find more important things to protest.” - MORE LINKS OF INFORMATION:
12. VALDOSTA FIFTEEN. Yes! They were arrested for addressing their City Mayor and Council on the renaming of a local public park. This arrest seems to reveal how Blacks and White Right people concerns are ignored in the 21st Century by America’s Media. Again, where were, CNN, MSNBC, and the rest of the GANG? LINK NEEDED: Valdosta Daily Times - Fifteen arrested at Valdosta City Council meeting ,
13. We are now talking about the Jena six (6), but what about perhaps the other 6,000 plus, in other small towns who are without media coverage and Godly concerns. It seem that an alien force has taken over America’s News Media Network, and soon the freedoms that Americans thought they had will be gone forever.
LASTLY: I truly love this nation and the people therein. We must understand that these problems are not just a Black Problem. But an interplanetary problem that must be addressed. Just imagine what will happen if they found space people in outer space. I bet we will unite then against them or will they destroy us because we are so divided as a people and nation?
Well, God Bless America, and everybody else… Jena 6, Jesus, Justice, Juice, Vick, and the power of Truth!
George Boston Rhynes Retired United States Veteran (Vietnam Era) A concerned citizen and brother of humanity
by
drluke4_18 (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 5 comments)
on Monday, October 1, 2007 at 9:25:08 PM
Just Six (6) insifnificant Black Bys in Louisiana-Why March?
Just Six (6), insignificant Black Boys in Louisiana----so Why March? The PRESS, rather report on O.J. Simpson, and The Hell with....
Just Six (6), insignificant Black Boys in Louisiana----so Why March? The PRESS, rather report twenty-four seven, on O.J. Simpson, Michael Vick, and The Hell with the Civil Rights Protesters!
X X X X X X
WAKE UP AMERICA! And see what is taking place before our very eyes! How much news coverage was given to the American People concerning the march in Jena, Louisiana a few days ago?
America’s Associated Press, News Media Networks reported that thousands converged on that small Louisiana town concerning the arrest of the Black Jena six (6). However, America’s news media WHITEOUT Machine, never reported the following to the American People:
1. The number of people that actually attended and participated in the march.
2. They only reported that Rev. Jackson, Al Sharpton, and one other person were in attendance as far as the civil rights leaders were concerned. When there were many other Black and White Right leaders at the march, but not reported by America's WHITEOUT Machine.
3. They totally failed to provide us with information as far as the SCLC, NAACP, PUSH, NATION OF ISLAM, National Action Network, or any other National Black or White Right Organization being at the march. We can only ask why?
4. Was former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney at the march? And if so what if anything did she say concerning the arrest of the six children arrested?
5. Who were the major speakers at the march? Who spoke and how many speakers at the march did our News Media WHITEOUT machine show giving their speeches in defense of the SIX American students on the evening NEWS on the major NETWORKS.
6. What Speaker did they show giving their actual speech at the protest march, as is normally done at any large protest march? Americans, please wake up before it is toooo late…
7. Did they ask which presidential candidate addressed the issue of the Jena six (6), Black Students that were arrested? How could they not ask these questions of the many presidential candidates? Do they believe that Black and White Right people are afraid because of the present administration and the FOX in the hen house?
8. Why did American News Giants not ask the presidential candidate their views on the Jena six (6) issue. Was it because, Blacks are not important enough to be given equal coverage unless it is something negative. Such as the O.J. Simpson or the Michael Vick show case?
9. Did the time allotted to covering the Jena 6, protest march, equal to that FOX and others gave to the coverage of O.J. Simpson? Is O.J. Simpson more important to Blacks and White Right people than these six Black African American school students?
10. Did they not see the NAACP, Chief of Field Operations Nelson Rivers at the Protest March. He appeared on C-Span live on Washington Journal. So many Black and White Right people can say in truth the HELL with our controlled WHITEOUT media.
11. O Yes! CNN gave an hour of coverage that was the most valuable to the American People. And we must give them a little credit.
However, they too could have interviewed more of the Black and White Right Leaders in attendance. But the media believe that the majority of American people are too stupid, deaf, dumb, and blind to stand up for what is right, just, and in the best interest of our beloved Republic.
These are my views of our News Media WHITEOUT machine. However, all informed Americans must understand. That our news media has been taken over by the few, and is definitely being controlled.
Our media learned a very profound lesson from the Civil Rights struggle. That the best way to keep the American people both Black and White Right People----in check. Is for them to keep US, deaf, dumb, and blind to the times.
Yes! They have established a system to control what we SEE, SMELL, HEAR, TASTE, and FEEL. And as long as they can control our five senses. Then they can CONTROL us without us ever really knowing it. But I believe like God himself. That WE, shall know the truth and that the truth will make and set you free----as a people and nation.
Moreover, as it is written in the Volume of Sacred Law as some of US believe. That there is nothing hidden that would not be revealed. So just stay tune, and we all shall see the truth unfold before our very eyes in our time. As never before in the history of our beloved Republic.
Then White Right people will finally understand. That it may be Blacks today who gets little to no news coverage. But tomorrow the same FATE, will be AWAITING them, and it could very well SPELL the end of our FREEDOMS that we long cherished. And the founding fathers and mothers of this nation fought so hard to protect. But then again, who cares—until they are completely taken away?
GEORGE BOSTON RHYNES Retired United States Armed Forces (Vietnam Era Veteran), A Concerned Citizen and Brother of ALL Humanity!
P.S. I speak out because I hate what I see in the only nation I put my life on the line for over twenty (20) long years. But then again, who cares?
by
drluke4_18 (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 5 comments)
on Monday, October 1, 2007 at 9:28:22 PM
9 comments
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