Racial Politics In Metro-Atlanta Public Schools - What Triggers A Federal Investigation - Gross Performance Problems Or Alleged Discrimination In School Assignments?

• US Civil Rights Office Now Probing Gwinnett County Public Schools Redistricting
• Federal Officials Look At Gwinnett County Schools Redistricting

I assume that most of you are not familiar with the political and racial dynamics of Metro-Atlanta so a map should help you out.

The City Of Atlanta occupies the bulk of the area labeled "South Fulton".  Over the last few decades Atlanta's Black residents have fanned out in all directions, seeking to take advantage of suburban living.

The recent public school battles of significance to Black people has taken place in:

• Atlanta Public Schools
• Fulton County Public Schools
• Clayton County Public Schools
• Dekalb County Public Schools

Each of these districts have a large in in some cases a majority Black student body.

Aside from Fulton County - each of these school systems has had some school administration issue that triggered an inspection and in some cases a rebuke from the "Southern Association of Colleges and Schools" (SACS).

Apparently violations of academic integrity or corruption among public officials are not the infractions that can trigger a federal investigation.  The one think that can attract the Feds, however, are claims of RACISM.

I reported a few years ago about how the Gwinnett County NAACP sought to remove the superintendent of the schools because he made what THEY thought to be a "racist" comment.   In a public debate on the disproportionate disciplinary action on Black makes in public schools only the state of Idaho was the exception.  The superintendent made the comment "Well I am not sure that there are enough Black people in the state of Idaho to make a difference one way or another".   With these fateful words - the "Protectors Of Blackness" sought to have him removed from office.

Now keep in mind that Dekalb County - to the south - had several high ranking officials doing "Perp Walks" due to corruption in contracting.  The NAACP did not say a word about how these selfish individuals cared more more their own personal interests than they did about the children.

Rather ironically - Gwinnett County schools also won an award for the "Best Urban School District In The Nation For Minority Education".  (Don't quote me on the exact title of the award).

I am not arguing that this latest dust up about the school redistricting is NOT about race/racism.  Every single county - regardless of its racial composition has ugly battles when it comes to school redistricting or changing of the school calendar.

What I AM arguing is - It is quite puzzling to see the relative silence that transacts as the adults who run the school systems do things that measurably impact the academic results in certain school systems that can't afford to have such shenanigans in their way.  We are more likely to see these people defended as state authorities come in and seek corrective behavior - as this is seen as "Threatening Black Political Power" and or "Voting Rights".  (The power to chose your own school board).

As quiet as it is kept - Gwinnett County has experienced a great influx of Black parents seeking better educational outcomes than what they believe they can receive from Dekalb, Atlanta and Fulton.  I can count off 5 people who have relocated to Gwinnett for these reasons.  

In the big picture of things what is not considered "racism" is far more prevalent in the harm done to our children than what is labeled as such today.