If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Speaking as a grandparent, I'm so tired of feeling afraid about my children's futures, watching out for children everywhere in our violent-saturated communities, an unleveled playing field, and a cradle-to-prison pipeline that must be dismantled! The school district has a heavy-handed approach to black children discipline. Are they recruiting and hiring community-conscious personnel, creating efficient oversight mechanisms, or ensuring a fair and thorough investigation? These are questions that the Alton school board members and Kristie Baumgartner, the superintendent, need to answer!
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The key word in my last paragraph is to be fair about it. Progress takes persistence and despite the challenges, Alton schools can make a difference. The Alton black community is very aware of the harsh realities of "just-us" and justice. Parents, teachers, churches, and civil leaders must form an innovative program to make a difference or continue to let our children be expelled at an alarming rate!
Abe Lee Barham
Alton Resident
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