O'FALLON, Mo. — On Thursday, the Francis Howell Board of Education voted to approve a policy that would automatically end previous resolutions after 75 days if the majority of the current school board wasn’t around when it was passed.
One of those resolutions that would end because of this is one that spoke out against racism.
The board passed the policy 5-2 but there is still some hope to keep this resolution standing up to racism.
The policy sponsor Randy Cook Jr. said in a statement, “I do not feel the school district needs a resolution against every evil in society that we are against, such as racism. School boards in Missouri are tasked, by law, with addressing the needs of the school district by making all needful rules and regulations for the organization, grading and government in the school district.”
Here are the votes:
- Adam Bertrand - Yes
- Randy Cook (sponsor) - Yes
- Jane Puszkar - Yes
- Ron Harmon - Yes
- Chad Lange - No
- Mark Ponder - Yes
- Janet Stiglich - No
Janet Stiglich stood up against the policy and shared her thoughts as one of the members who signed the resolution against racism.
“That was a resolution that took weeks for all of us to agree on and words were taken out and words were added to that so that we could give our students and our community hope that we do recognize we have issues and that we are doing our best to right them,” Stiglich said.
Only one person spoke in favor of the policy.
“Thank you for reviewing current Francis Howell School policies for improvements and enforcement so that less inclusive behavioral resolutions without consequences can be eliminated. Our current resolution on racism states that we will openly talk, challenge and confront racism. Well, time for talk is over,” Ron Puszkar, a long-time resident in the district, said.
A parent and former teacher for the district says this resolution against racism is important and believes this new policy will hurt the school community.
“For children like mine who are Palestinian and African-American, it felt like a victory. Like, hey, you see us, you hear us, you acknowledge us, you stand with us. So to rescind that just takes a step back and it opens a doorway for so much more bigotry and hate in our community that I just don't believe is what the majority of people stand for here,” Cemelia Johnson said.
In the new policy, there is a provision where they might be able to keep this resolution.
Board Member Mark Ponder asked during the meeting to reconsider the resolution against racism which they can do for any of the ones that will expire, but it also allows them to change them.
It’s not clear when the 75-day timer begins.
Chad Lange, originally signed the anti-racism resolution in 2020, provided a statement regarding the district's decision, which reads:
"I am obviously disappointed in the outcome of last evening's board of education meeting. I personally don’t feel any policy is needed in regard to board resolutions. I feel that the suggested alternative policy language that I suggested at our June meeting to bring ALL resolutions up yearly for discussion, revision, or ultimately rescinding was a very open, fair, and transparent compromise. However, the policy writer and the majority or my board colleagues felt differently. I hope the board is willing to work together moving forward to keep the Francis Howell School District one of the top districts in the state. Only time and board actions will tell which direction we go from here. I appreciate the community showing up and voicing their experiences and concerns.”
The Missouri National Association for the Advancement of Colored People released a statement Friday regarding the district's decision, which reads:
"We are deeply troubled by the recent actions taken by the Francis Howell School District that dismantling efforts towards equality, inclusion, and civil rights protections for all students. These steps are not just disheartening, but they are also a significant setback in our collective work to create an educational environment where every student is learning, seen, heard, and valued.
"President of the St. Charles NAACP, Zebrina Looney, firmly stated, "This is the latest attempt to dismiss the inequities in this school district. Our children deserve an opportunity to receive an education in an environment where they can be seen, heard and valued." The dismissal of such policies underlines a blatant disregard for the fundamental principle of equal rights, and it is unacceptable.
"It is concerning that the Francis Howell School District is choosing to move away from the Resolution and Response to Discrimination, which was thoughtfully adopted just a couple of years ago. This crucial resolution played a vital role in shaping a school district that stands against all forms of discrimination, bigotry, and hate."
Nimrod Chapel, Jr., President of the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP, voiced his concern by stating: "The people of St. Charles County can't be held hostage to shortsighted and racist ideas about who is and is not valued in the Francis Howell School District. Removal of the Resolution and Response to Discrimination opens the door to civil rights violations against our girls and boys attending school there. It is the wrong message about hate.
"We urge the Francis Howell School District to reconsider this distressing action. Our school districts must prioritize fostering an environment where every student feels safe, included, and valued regardless of their race, gender, or socioeconomic background. Our children's futures are at stake, and we can't afford to let them be compromised by narrow-mindedness and discrimination.
"We remain committed to the fight for equality, inclusion, and respect for all students in Francis Howell School District and beyond, and we will not stand by as these fundamental rights are being threatened."
To watch 5 On Your Side broadcasts or reports 24/7, 5 On Your Side is always streaming on 5+. Download for free on Roku or Amazon Fire TV.