Introduction to the Incident
Recently, a controversy arose in Humble ISD after the superintendent, Roger Brown, made a comment that was deemed racially charged. Brown apologized for saying he wanted to "lynch the mayor" during a staff meeting several weeks ago. This incident has sparked a significant amount of discussion and investigation within the school district.
What Happened
The incident occurred during a leadership team meeting with over 100 employees present. Brown expressed his frustration with the power outages during Hurricane Beryl last July and said he wanted to "lynch the mayor." He also made a comment about taking the mayor "out back and hanging him from a tree." These comments were brought to light by Henry Phipps, the chief education support service officer, during the public comment period at a recent board meeting.
Response from the Superintendent
Brown did not deny making the remarks but said he had not intended to offend anyone. He explained that he was reading a book about the challenges faced by pioneers in the western U.S. and was trying to make a point about being fortunate despite the difficulties faced during the hurricane. Brown claimed that his comment was not meant to be taken literally and that he was simply trying to express his frustration with the power outages.
Investigation and Apology
Brown apologized to the staff members who were offended by his comment and met with them to discuss the issue. The school board is currently investigating the matter, and the board president, Chris Parker, has directed the board’s legal counsel to ensure that the matter is handled according to policy. Brown’s apology and explanation were not enough to alleviate the concerns of some staff members, and the incident has raised questions about the superintendent’s judgment and sensitivity.
Background on the Superintendent
Brown was hired as the superintendent of Humble ISD in January, after the previous superintendent, Elizabeth Fagen, was terminated. Fagen’s termination was part of the fallout from a Title IX investigation into her husband, former athletics director Troy Kite, who was accused of creating a hostile workplace environment. Brown’s appointment was seen as an opportunity for the district to move forward, but this incident has raised concerns about his leadership and ability to create a positive and inclusive work environment.
Conclusion
The incident involving Superintendent Roger Brown’s comment has sparked a significant amount of controversy and discussion within Humble ISD. While Brown has apologized and explained his comment, the incident has raised questions about his judgment and sensitivity. The school board’s investigation and response to the incident will be crucial in determining the outcome and ensuring that the district provides a positive and inclusive work environment for all staff members. Ultimately, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of thoughtful and considerate communication, especially for those in leadership positions.
