A St. Clare Walker (SCW) Middle School student addressed the Middlesex County School Board (MCSB) during a public comment period, Monday, voicing her concerns over racial tensions that erupted on Jan. 19 when a string of possible threatening emails and social media posts were made.
Seventh grader Melody Jones said at the meeting, “I wish I could say it has gotten better, but unfortunately I cannot…”
She stated that when she tried to discuss the matter with a SCW official, the person used the “N word” in “addressing the situation.”
Jones said that was “unacceptable” and said she has had to look towards outside resources such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for support and help.
“Since this issue doesn’t seem to hold value to you all, I will keep spending my free time pushing the issue,” she said. “I will keep using my voice. I will keep coming here until you all are sick of hearing the name Melody Jones. My life matters. I will keep fighting for change!”
The Jan. 19 incident has been under investigation by the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). The MCSO’s Maj. M.E. Sampson gave a general report on the school resource officers who are part of the sheriff’s office.
He noted that he understands the public would like for things to move faster but MCSO is bound by disclosure laws and codes that limit public access to information and could interfere with the investigation.
After the school board meeting was over, Pinetop District school board member Garland Harrow said that the MCSB is also bound by codes and laws, which limits disclosure…
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