The Political Eye both honored and criticized my letter to School Board President Darnetta Clinkscale in the handling of the Vashon/Coach Floyd Irons controversy.
I must remind The American that whenever there is a leadership void it does not serve to criticize those leaders who stand up and show leadership where it is needed. In addition, Vashon is a school with a long, proud history in the 1st Congressional District. Members of my family attended Vashon, and its future in the District, as well as in the greater African-American community, is of concern to me, as well as many people in my district.
My involvement in public education is not new. As a State Senator, I authored the legislation that settled the 27-year old desegregation case and reestablished local control of the St. Louis Public Schools. I then spearheaded the efforts to raise the funds to build the new Vashon.
What is happening to Coach Irons is disgraceful. When my constituents alerted me to the situation, I chose to speak out. When the interests of our children are at stake, silence is not an option.
Wm. Lacy Clay Member of Congress