City leaders are using students and a Facebook post to push their agenda and are seeking to get a school employee fired and force the resignation of a sitting school board trustee.
Clarksdale High School senior Marchellos Scott voiced concerns about a Facebook post Director of Support Services and Special Projects Rodger Fullilove made more than a month ago at Thursday’s Clarksdale School Board meeting.
Scott also held a protest rally prior to the meeting with other students, adults and former district employees. Mayor Chuck Espy spoke during the rally.
“He has a right to his opinions, but when it comes to freedom of speech, then you have to differentiate if it’s a freedom of speech thing or it’s a hate crime,” said Scott during the protest. “In this case, it would be identified as a hate crime. If it was political affiliations or his personal values or just something about politics in general, then that would be considered Freedom of Speech – First Amendment right – but this is a hate crime.”
Scott is not an attorney, but repeatedly presented what he called “evidence” to trustees.
“It’s very simple,” said Espy during the protest. “When you have young adults standing up for what is right, you have to come out and support because this is the future of the city of Clarksdale. Young adults doing these type of activities trying to help out in their community, we’re trying to show support. At the end of the day, you stand up for what is right. It’s just that simple.”
Espy, Ward 3 Commissioner Willie Turner and Ward 4 Alderman Ed Seals have written a letter to the school board demanding the resignation of Fullilove and Board President Sandy Stillion.
One of Fullilove’s posts discussed was a picture of US Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) that read, “What coronavirus looks under the microscope.”
Stillions also said he disagreed with Fulliliove’s post about Black Lives Matter, but he had the right to freedom of speech.
“No, it’s not a hate crime,” Stillions said. “That’s freedom of speech. When you start saying people can’t express their opinion about any group or any church or any organization or any government, you’re controlling speech. That is not hate speech.”
Board member Zedric Clayton spoke in favor of taking action during the meeting.
“I know we are in a climate where so many things are up in arms and things of that nature, but as a black person, I’m offended because we don’t have to look any further than, ‘F Black Lives Matter terrorists,’” said Clayton, adding people have lost their jobs for a lot less.
As the discussion progressed, board attorney Carlos Palmer said it should have been handled in executive session since it was a personnel matter.
Board member Joan Morris later said Scott’s request to speak indicated he would be talking about safety issues, not a district employee. The discussion continued in open session after Palmer and Morris spoke.
Superintendent Dr. Joe Nelson did not comment saying it was a personnel matter.
Stillions praised Scott’s efforts in front of the board.
“Number one, I admire you for putting all this together and coming up here and speaking your peace. I truly do,” Stillions said. “I don’t agree with everything you’ve said, but I would fight for your right to say it and to address this board to say it and I admire the time that you, obviously, put into this to do it. That gives me actually a lot more hope for the future - that people actually put time into and studying - then speaking instead of just hauling off and speaking.”
Scott said many people helped him out, including Fredrick Walker, a Coahoma Community College student.
No action was taken Thursday night and Fullilove declined to comment.
Stillions discussed his commitment to the district following the meeting.
“I’m serving in a black school district because I care about those kids and I want the very best,” he said. “That’s why I’m here. If I ever feel like I can’t do it, if I was really that person, I would have been gone a long time ago. I’m here for those kids and that’s the only reason I’m here.”
Scott reported on Tuesday night he is organizing a boycott and inviting all Clarksdale High School students to participate.
“Essentially, the short version we’re boycotting the students won’t get on Google Meet for school for a week until they do something about Fullilove and ensue that will feel safe,” he said. “We got our parents support on this too.”
Clarksdale School Board Trustees are appointed for 5-year terms by the Clarksdale City Council as follows:
Ward 1: Sandy Stillions
Ward 2: Joan Morris
Ward 3: Delores S. Harris
Ward 4: Sherley Fields
Mayor: Zedric Clayton
One member’s term expires each year and their terms begin the first Saturday in March.
