Screaming, cursing protesters end Lawrence school board meeting

The Lawrence school board abruptly adjourned a meeting Monday amid a disruption sparked by frustration over the district’s handling of a teacher accused of making racist comments during class.

A group of residents claiming to be members of Black Lives Matter-LFK took over the meeting, screaming and cursing near board members. The protesters also said they, not the board, were in charge of the meeting. Police responded but left at the request of a board member.

Board member Vanessa Sanburn said she was not surprised by the level of frustration and anger displayed by the group of concerned parents and residents. Monday was the fourth time, she said, that this group had tried to discuss this matter with the board. The issue surrounding the accusations made against the teacher began in October.

The group accused the school district of protecting a South Middle School teacher who had recently resigned. Under a settlement deal, the district agreed to withhold the results of its investigation in exchange for a promise from the teacher that the district wouldn’t be sued. The Associated Press reported that the teacher has denied the allegations.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article120616618.html