Introduction to the Controversy
The Houston chapter of the NAACP is demanding! the removal of Roger Brown from his position as Humble ISD superintendent. Brown is under fire for saying he wanted to "lynch the mayor" during a staff meeting. This incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for his resignation.
Background Information
Humble ISD serves nearly 50,000 students northeast of Houston, with a diverse student body consisting of 38% Hispanic, 29% white, and 26% Black students. The district’s leadership is now under scrutiny following Brown’s racially charged comments.
The Incident Unfolds
The incident came to light during a Humble ISD school board meeting, where a district employee brought up the issue during the public comment period. According to Henry Phipps, Humble ISD’s chief education support service officer, Brown made the comment during a leadership team meeting with 125 to 150 campus-based administrators in attendance. Brown allegedly said, "I wanted to take him out back and hang him from a tree," referring to the mayor.
Apology and Aftermath
Brown apologized for his remarks during the school board meeting, claiming he did not mean them literally. He explained that he made the comment after showing a photo of pioneers in the west and was referencing the struggles of daily living. However, his apology has done little to quell the outrage, with many calling for his removal.
Community Reaction
The Houston NAACP hosted a town hall meeting to discuss the incident and longstanding issues of inequality and under-representation in the district. Jackie Anderson, chair of the Houston NAACP’s education committee, expressed her disappointment and concern, stating that Brown’s comment likely represented a deeper misunderstanding. Anderson believes that the person leading the district should provide a nurturing environment for students and teachers, and Brown’s comment suggests he is not fit for the role.
Investigation and Demands
Humble ISD board president Chris Parker announced that the matter is under investigation. However, Anderson and many town hall attendees are hoping for a more concrete outcome – Brown’s removal. Anderson expressed her disapproval of the school board’s lack of attendance at the town hall meeting, with only one board member present. She believes this shows the board’s complicity in the issue.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Roger Brown’s comments has sparked a heated debate about his fitness to lead Humble ISD. As the investigation continues, the community remains vigilant, demanding a safe and inclusive environment for all students and teachers. The outcome of this incident will have significant implications for the district’s leadership and its commitment to addressing issues of inequality and under-representation. Ultimately, the decision to remove Brown will depend on the investigation’s findings and the school board’s response to the community’s concerns.
