November 23, 2005

Mr. Frank Mesiah, Chairperson
NAACP, Buffalo Branch
1490 Jefferson Ave
Buffalo, NY 14208

Dear Frank,

Buffalo teaches are very troubled by statements that have been attributed to Superintendent of Schools, James Williams (article enclosed). As a result of these statements, the BTF Executive Committee and Council of Delegates unanimously passed a resolution (enclosed) calling for the NAACP to investigate the truth of said statements and issue a statement and recommendations based upon your investigation.

There are several reasons for concern if said statements are true:

1. Their impact, especially on students, is destructive, whether they are said before an all minority group or not. Statements such as these are often repeated and soon become public knowledge, just as these statements were repeated in the District prior to being reported in The News.

2. Statements such as these reinforce negative stereotypes that we have fought all our lives.

3. The principals singled out are fine principals.

Crystal Bolling Barton, as principal of McKinley, has few discipline problems, as a walk through the school will demonstrate. Ms. Barton has hosted and originated many community programs highlighting the infusion of African American culture into the curriculum and consciousness of our community. When Kensington High School was exploding, who did they ask to assume responsibility for several weeks, while they sought another principal? Crystal Barton. Within two weeks, she had restored order.

Ms. Barton's school's vocational program which includes construction of a full-size home has been admired throughout the community.

No one can say Ms. Barton doesn't have the interests of her students as her first priority.

Geraldine Horton - We have never heard anything but praise for Ms. Horton. Every school in which she has worked was a better place for her having been there.

When Kensington High School was of great concern and they needed a permanent principal to turn Kensington around to end the violence and disruption, to whom did the District turn? Ms. Horton took Kensington, a school that was out of control and had been temporarily guided by Ms. Barton, and put the school on a sound footing so that learning could take place.

Beside the issue of the characterization of people based upon race, the statements made by the Superintendent were wrong. Can you imagine the impact on Ms. Barton's and Ms. Horton's positions as principal in their school when word of the Superintendent's comments began to circulate throughout the community and school system (prior to the article in The News). What do you think the students thought?

4. The latest statements represented in The News on Saturday, November 19 (enclosed) are also very troubling if they are true.

It is important to realize that these statements were reportedly made by the Superintendent of Schools, not just an ordinary citizen. I am sure that if a teacher, elected official, or myself had made such statements, the public and many organization's response would be much different. Knowing the NAACP and you, I am confident that you, unlike many others, will treat these incidents as if they were done by any citizen. Thank you in advance for your attention to this important issue.

Sincerely,

Philip Rumore, President
Buffalo Teachers Federation