Talk of the Town

By Hollywould

September 10, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Of course he should step down. Why let facts get in the way? The naacp losers never own up to their own being the problem. It is always someone’s fault but their own. Do something about your nighborhood one time will you?

By knf

September 10, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

The actions of the NAACP are bringing much needed light to the actions Boyce, Mary Kay Murphy and Louise Radloff do for the children, this can only help in their winning re-election. NCAA, would you compare horses in a cow pasture, no because there are no horses in a cow pasture, this is the point Mr. Wilbanks was making. Thank you NAACP for your ignorance and helping people see how you really operate.

By For Wilbanks

September 10, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

Jorge Portalatin is the problem here. Just because he is the NAACP chapter president, he expects everyone to have the same opinion he has??? I applaud the Superintendent for not caving to his pressure. As bad as the public schools are in GA, we need a leader like Wilbanks.

By carlton

September 10, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

why isn’t this group involved in Clayton County, where actual children are being hurt? Not some imagined hurt feelings, either.

By DisagreeswNAACP

September 10, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Is the study accurate? If not, then the Superintendent was on a fishing expidition to support his own opinion. If, however, the fact is that Blacks do draw more disciplinary action, then the commment Wilbanks made is valid. The NAACP has no right to lay low until it senses a chance to assume public outrage. Moreover, the NACCP doesn’t do a lot of anything these days BESIDES act outraged at percieved injustice. In no case is the NAACP right in attempting to shame into silence anyone who would support Wilbanks. Wilbanks’ comment is not equal to dogs on the Pettys bridge. And YES, there is a deep problem in the African American community involving discipline. Broken families, drugs, crime, widespread immaturity. Does the NAACP do anything to address these issues? Or has the would-be torch carrier of King become an empty suit and a lot of charged rhetoric? Can we agree that there is a need to address the real issue, which is how to strengthen the African American family unit? For this cause would I march and vote and if necessary fight and die beside any person of good faith. For anger and politics — no, not at all would I jump.

By AWT

September 10, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

NO, the superintendent only spoke the truth…and he knows what every other school superintendent in Georgia knows; that is that black students disproportionately start most of the fights, disrespect most of the teachers, and disrupt more classes than their non-black counterparts. If speaking this truth troubles Portalatin, he should put his efforts into helping to alleviating the cause, and NOT stopping those with courage enought to call attention to the symptom.

By Maurice

September 10, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

I have 4 kids in the Gwinnett County School System, and I have one primary issue. Even though whites and minorities coexist in the same building, they are in two different schools. I have proof of example after example that when you have minority kids that are trying to exceed and proceed in extracurricular activites they are meet with repeat obstacles. For instance, they are examples where disciplinary actions are given out frequently and more harsh to minorities, while at the same time they are kept out of activities and cources that are needed to gain access to higher education and build character. I have to stay at my kids school for them to receive a descent education. I grew up in an all black neighborhood with minimum supplies and books, but our education and personal development were my teachers primary concern. I have had teachers express that they, “fell out at a kid because they loked at them stank”. And they try to have kids punished and kicked out of school for minor infractions, therefore breaking a childs will to learn. If these same teachers in these Gwinnett County Schools would have taught in my neighborhood that I came up in, my family would not be living in the middle class and have the college education which we now pocess. And the most alarming thing is that these administrators in GCPS schools don’t think it is a problem that they need to address.

By Dale Garner

September 10, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Wilbanks should not resign.

By BillyBob

September 10, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

NO WAY!!!! Why is it when someone stands up, has a backbone and speaks the truth, the NAACP have to make a ruckus?????

If some black man said something about the white community or the Asian community, do you think the NAACP is going to sound off????

Truth hurts doesn’t it??? Maybe we should start being more truthful and having a backbone for a change. I think Mr. Wilbanks needs a pat on his back instead a boot in his rear. Take a look a the statistics and the reports… who’s the troublemakers??? Why do you think there’s a white flight everywhere you go??? NOT because we don’t like the black people, but because it’s proven that majority is not for education and getting ahead on the todem pole the right way. Instead, all they want to do is steal from hardworking Americans.

By Maurice

September 10, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Yes he should resign and they throw out the whole lot. Gwinnett County Public Schools have been consistenly defending the treatment of minority students with laughable excuses. My kids, which I seen to school for the primary focus of learning, are consistenly involved in situations in school, where there are obvious racial issues. Only to be ignored by GCPS administrators and superintendents office. I suggest a full boycott of GCPS schools, because I know plenty of parents that have ongoing issues with this school system. But the GCPS administrators abuse laws and regulations that put you at a severe disadvantage of getting to the truth on a one on one basis between school and parent. I am willing to pull my kids out of this scool system to prove a point at the word go.

By Charles

September 10, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

It’s a sad day when speaking the truth can get you fired. Superintendent Wilbanks is correct about minority discipline. I’m not saying every individual is disruptive but I’ve heard from my children and others who say some blacks are causing problems.
Some minorities want to put the blame on the schools. Blame lies with parents of these kids. Suerintendent Wilbanks is doing an outstanding job. If Gwinnett’s test scores fall in the coming years don’t blame it on him. Blame it on the growing minority enrollment and lack of parental involvment. Call me a racist if you want to. I don’t see it that way. It’s to everyone’s advantage for America’s youth, blacks, whites, asians, native americans, everyone to excel in school and become a vital particpant in society. We’ve got to discourage this gangsta mentality but it starts at home.

By Alan

September 10, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Neither Wilbanks or the members who support him should step aside or be replaced. Before all the anti-white people start attacking me, let me say that his comments were out of line and offensive to some people. He could have posed the question in a far more tactful way so as not to offend anyone. Keep this in mind, Jorge Portalatin is only calling for his removal based on a perceived racial comment. He is also calling for anyone who supports Wilbanks to be replaced. Replaced by whom?? Look at Clayton County, they made decisions based solely on race and look where it got them. Does Portalatin want Gwinnett to become the 2nd district to lose its accreditation? Look at all of the borad members and see what kind of job they are doing. If they are doing a good job then leave them alone. If they are not then replace them with competent people. Do not base your decision on race and race alone, unless you wish to end up like Clayton.

By krollins

September 10, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

NO, he should not have to step down. Why is it a black person can say all kinds of racist comments about whites and they are expressing them selves and we (whites)speak the TRUTH about them (blacks) we are racist? The truth hurts NAACP, doesn’t it. GO after Clayton county school board, O I forget they are all black, except for one. Facts or facts, there are more blacks in jail, on welfar, unemployed, no fathers in the house and high school drop outs than any other race. Why is this always somebody else problem? Bill Cosby said best, black people do not take responsibility for there on actions.

By Walter H

September 10, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

No way he should resign. Just look at the data. Mr. W. has overseen a significant transition of demographics in the county. Under Mr. Wilbanks leadership Gwinnett, has maintained high academic standards when almost all like school districts in Georgia and the USA have not.

Why does Aileen Dodd hate GCPS so much? She is one reason I do not subscribe to the AJC. At least Laura Diamond is somewhat fair.

Why are you bent on tearing down the best school system in Georgia? Are you trying to damage it? Lower public confidence and property values?

Mr. W is far from perfect, but cut the guy a break. Any serious analysis of his comments in the context of the meeting clearly point to no ill intent at all.

This has harmed my perception of the Gwinnett NAACP. I thought them to be an honorable organization. This is not the issue on which to be making a stand and has been blown horribly out of proportion by Ms. Dodd and the AJC.

Do you understand why this is why you are losing readership?

By Parent

September 10, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

No he should not be forced out for asking a question about the details of a report.

By Hollywould

September 10, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Like I’ve said before, “Why let fscts get in the way?” Why does the naacp not clean up their own neighborhood? Play the race card in every avenue. Is the pres. of this tired movement still a cop in Clarkston? Boy, he has really made an impact in the drug,prostiute infected area. I wonder if he works on the illegal immigrant problem since they are people of color? Doubtful

By Robert Scroggs

September 10, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

So the NAACP wants to just bypass the electorate and get their way?

If the people that the commission represent are upset, they’ll vote them out. If the people the commission represents wants them in place. Then the NAACP should put up an alternative and let the people decide.

I’ve read his comments and they seemed innocent enough. He basically suggested that some states are ranked lower because they don’t have the same ethnic blends or any ethnic blends (black, latino, asian, whatever). Minority discipline is not an issue in a state that doesn’t have any minorities.

By BillyBob

September 10, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!! Why should someone who speaks the truth and have a backbone be punished?? Why not punish all the thugs and their parents for not keeping them out of trouble?? Oh wait, the parents are thugs too.

I am sick and tired of the NAACP intervening when truth is told. DO you think the NAACP will ever stand up for the rights of the white or the Asian community?? OR the people that abide by the laws?? NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think we all should have a backbone and stand up for our rights whenever a black man shuns us. How come nobody stands up for our right????

GET REAL!!! Stop the race card. The statistics and reports show which group of our society is a menace and needs to get off our welfare program.

By Michael

September 10, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

No…he wasn’t hired to be politically correct…..he was hired to run the school system! The gestapo is alive and well in the USA.

By ThaMan

September 10, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

I think the NAACP has rendered itself impotent for taking way too many of these kinds of stands. There aren’t many blacks in Idaho. That’s a fact, Jack!!! Hell No, he shouldn’t go!!!!!

By Richard

September 10, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Naacp The truth hurts doesnt it? Black students cause exactly the percentages of crime not only inschools but also throughout America. The superintendant told it exactly like it is both here and in Idaho. I have traveled extensively in Idaho and never saw any blacks from Pocatello to Cour de Alene to Boise to Sun Valley… so it is no coincidence their school criminal / disruption / incident rate is so much less on a per capita basis. The Superintendant is by far the best person who could be in a racially segmented and now due to your unneeded fanning of the flames a racially segregated county . In the schools I teach in 80% of all criminal activity, ISS and classroom disruption is BLACK based. I need to call in the National Association for European Americans to counter your poisonous charges.(NAEA)

By Chuck the Tuna

September 10, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Hey JP, why don’t you take your whining to Clayton County. The education of our youth is more important than your views and your outdated organization. Try doing something productive.

By TJ

September 10, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

no one wants to comment on this issue.. It is loaded with racial hatred!

By DB

September 10, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

I am black and I find Jorge - who isn’t black - offensive!!!

By mom4

September 10, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

No. He should not resign. People need to get the chip off their shoulders and quit getting offended so easily. It was a factual statement. In 2006, Idaho had a .7% black population. The NAACP should be spending their time helping to rectify the disproportionate disciplinary actions, ie., make sure that minorities are being treated equitably in the application of discipline. Work with Wilbanks & the school board rather than against it.

By Jeff

September 10, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

1) Black students are KNOWN to cause 80% of crimes committed in schools.

2) Black students (and rich white kids) are KNOWN to show the most disrespect towards teachers - including cursing at them and even threatening their lives - than any other single identifiable group.

3) I have personal experience with #1 and #2.

4) Wilbanks’ statement as a verifiable FACT.

5) From what I’ve heard about the man, there are FAR more things he should be asked to resign over rather than a statement of FACT.

6) The fact that the NAACP is more concerned about this statement of FACT rather than the many other issues Wilbanks is accused of stands rather telling of their own hyper-sensitivity and racism.

By AL

September 10, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

No, he absolutely should not resign. He has done a fabulous job with Gwinnett County Schools.

The NAACP needs to head over to Clayton County where there are real problems in the schools, not imaginary ones created by hypersensitive groups unwilling to address the real problems in their communities.

By larry

September 10, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

The NAACP should devote it’s efforts to decrease the disproportionate statstics concerning teen pregnancy,SAT scores,graduation rates,loss of school district accreditation,high schools drop out rate,suspensions,expulsions of black students. Maybe the historic civil rights organization has the answer to all of America of what to do to turn these statistics around ?

By John Matlack

September 10, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

No superintendent Wilbanks should not resign on the basis of what a branch president finds offensive. As branch president he may be able to presume what is offensive to his NAACP constituents. However these are elected positions by all voters. He has made his case, and got his name in the news. Now, there are more appropriate avenues for seeking to replace school board members. They are called elections, and they are coming up soon. I would remind all voters that Gwinnett County schools have not lost their accrecidation, and have in fact done extremely well in the nation under this school board’s tenure.

By sam

September 10, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

I am a black professional male and I strongly support Mr. Wilbanks remaining head of the board.The man was not being racial, he was only stating the facts. I do believe that he could have worded his throught differently to get his point across. Hell, I want to know how much blacks attend school in Idaho.I do think that Wilbanks should look into why blacks and other non-white students are being punish more and more serverly than whites.

By Roadranger

September 10, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Wilbanks should stay, and Portalatin should take a course in introductory statistics so he can understand the question.

By Ridiculous

September 10, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

This is ridiculous. I believe the question asked was more of a statement as to the reason why Idaho wouldn’t have a problem like other states. If there aren’t many blacks in the state, then obviously minority discipline wouldn’t be a problem. I believe everyone, with the help of the media and technology has blown this way out of proportion. I hope the Superintendent doesn’t step down, and I hope the board members in question retain their seats.

By NICK

September 10, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Absolutely NOT. What Wilibanks said was true and correct about minorities being the cause of most of the dicipline problems in public schools.

Just look at the statistics. They don’t lie.

Just because the NAACP does not like to hear and accept the truth (as is the case in most situations), should not give them the right to try and use the old Jesse Jackson tactic of trying to “shake down” the school district, in order to have an unqualfied black person take Wilbanks’ position.

Instead of trying to “oust” a successful white administrator, the NAACP should be focusing on the black school board members from Clayton County, that got that school sytem’s accredidaion revoked.

I mean why do blacks constantly play the victim role? It’s no wonder they are the only group in this country that has never been able to lift themselves up by the boot straps, work hard, stay out of trouble and succeed?

No wonder the NAACP is almost bankrupt…Their own people do not see there significance.

By Craig

September 10, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Just another example of how the NAACP has outlived its purpose and mission and become an irrelevant organization. I agree with Al, they should head over to Clayton County and fix that mess of a situation over there. Stop the hypersentivity and begin to take an honest look @ your community and then take steps to fix it. White people aint the problem anymore so you’d better get a new whipping boy.

By sue

September 10, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

There aren’t many blacks in Idaho.

That a fact, not a racist opinion.

By larry

September 10, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

What the NAACP should really do is demand that Wilbanks be replaced by John Thompson,the current school board chairman in Clayton county.Then the left wing media could boast that Gwinnett has it’s ‘first black school superintendent’.They’ll pay him a million dollars a year,he’d be furnished a chauffer driven Bentley and a Rolls Royce(both rimmed up),executive mansion,private lear jet,complimentary wardrobe from K & G,and an unlimited supply of kool aid.So why beat around the bush ? The white community owes it to them anyways.That’ll shut them up.

By Twynn

September 10, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Hell no he shouldn’t step down or be fired or anything else, except to continue to do his job. We need to simply stop responding to the pseudo-riots that the NAACP keeps trying to evoke from we the public. It’s time to get on with life.

By Dude

September 10, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

Yeah let’s make him resign and bring in some of those good NAACP members from Clayton County to run the Gwinnett system.

By Skeech

September 10, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Tell you what, NAACP. I’ll make a trade with you. We’ll let you have Mr. Wilbanks and the board members jobs if you’ll all move out to Lawrencville and Buford and not come back. Seriously.

No bringing your attitudes to Lenox Mall No complaining about $80 meals you can’t afford and then leaving $2 tips No trying to spend your hurricane katrina money at Saks 5th Avenue Nothing.

Just go and don’t come back. Deal?

By NAACP=racists

September 10, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

This is just race baiting nonsense by the NAACP. These race hustlers should be ignored

By L.D.

September 10, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

My sister lives in Idaho,I’m from Montana.I now live in Kennesaw.When she came here for a visit,I took her to Lenox to go shopping.We were in a store and she saw a leather coat she wanted to try on.She was flabbergasted to see that the coats on the rack were chained and locked to the rack.That was her first trip out of the Idaho area.I wonder why she was so suprised about the coats being chained ?

By Wendy

September 10, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Of course the NAACP wants Wilbanks to resign. Its the blacks & minorities that ask for all of the handouts, its the blacks & minorites that cause all of the trouble in schools that keep our white hardworking students from getting a decent education. Its the blacks and other minorities that steal, rape, join or start gangs, get into drugs. Its the blacks & minorites that suck the governmant healthcare system dry, refusing to work but instead living on Medicaid and Welfare. Its the blacks & minorities that live in public housing and cause them to become run down with trash and illegal activity. So of course the NAACP wants a white man that has a backbone and will call it like he sees it to step down. Heaven forbid if the black man gets a backbone and becomes a success in his life the legal, right way. They just cannot do it.

By Jim

September 10, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

J.P. Portalatin is the one who lacks sensitivity. Mr. Wilbanks as an reasonable question, “Does Idaho have any blacks?”

When comparing test scores of school systems, you have to consider the racial groups that make up the testing subjects.

It is a fact, in general, blacks score lower than other racial groups.

It is also a fact that most black children are born to single parents and even Barack Obama and Bill Cosby have talked about the lack of father figures in many black homes.

Without good parental supervision, it is no wonder why black students have lower achievement and also have more discipline problems.

So the Gwinnett NAACP wants Mr. Wilbanks job because he was asking an honest question that goes to one of the root causes of low student achievement.

What a joke.

By Joan

September 10, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

The bottom line is this:

He stated the truth. When did our country become so screwed up that stating the truth is a crime? Everyone knows that the pitiful descent of our education system began with the induction of blacks into our schools. Not only is it a proven fact that their I.Q. is lower than caucasions, but that statistics show they are more prone to crime and violence. However, if anyone dares to speak such truths, they are labeled “racists”. I’m really sick of it. The truth is the truth…period! If you don’t like it, then try to do something constructive and contribute to society instead of destroying it and expecting the white people to continue to pay for everything from your food to your housing to your daycare. Get a job, quit committing crimes and doing drugs, and stop expecting the white man to take care of you! I don’t care what color someone is as long as they are decent, hard-working, and have good character and morals. I’m just sick of all these people, whether black, white or hispanic, who expect everything, contribute nothing, and cost millions to society.

By Jack

September 10, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

I was prepared to be outraged, but my fellow citizens have pretty much said it all. In general the NAACP and Jessie totally ignore the real deep seated problems in their community and only engage soft targets where the can hope to extract ransom with minimum effort and maximum press coverage. Simply put the black leadership has failed the people they claim to represent and function ONLY for their own profit.

By KIM

September 10, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

I recommend that Mr. Portalatin resign his position from the NAACP and other respected representatives of the organization consider taking the lead: JuJuan Stewart, for one. His lack of leadership is an embarrassment. The organization is responsible for assisting people of color in times when their color may have caused bias. He has no power other than to act as its representative and he is NOT representing ALL the people of the NAACP well.

By Heaven Help Us

September 10, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

The discipline problem children, of any race, color or creed, should remove themselves from the school system and let Mr. Wilbanks run schools for kids that actually want to be there. Stop making teachers and administrators part time juvenile justice employees and put the focus back on learning. To blame Mr. Wilbanks for stating facts is an outrage. He is not the problem. Your kids are.

By L.J.

September 10, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

I strongly support Mr.Wilbanks.Statistics do not lie,the demographics are changing in Gwinnett and it is inevitable that the NAACP wants Wilbanks out so they can get John Thompson or maybe Cynthia Tucker to lead the school system.Educated,accountable black and white families will have to flee the county and choose another metro county like maybe Forsyth,Hall,Cherokee.By 2018,Gwinentt county will be occupied by mainly blacks that are from dysfunctional,single parent families that are in no way able to identify what responsible and accountable leadership is made of.The lost generation.

By Tahuaya

September 10, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

I know the Gwinnett NAACP does not speak for all people of color and I hope they do not speak for all blacks.

Gwinnett is a good school system and Mr. Wilbanks is one of the reasons.

Why get rid of a man who asked an honest question? The Gwinnett NAACP needs to move to Clayton County where they can enjoy living in a county where the school system is run by blacks but run for no one.

Or the Gwinnett NAACP can move to Lithonia and enjoy black leadership there.

Why run off a good man because he happens to be white and has the insight to realize that blacks pull down test scores.

Hispanics, who are still learning English, often out score blacks. Why? Because they have mothers and fathers who care about them and encourage them to be good students.

Sensitivity is hog wash.

By GA_Tiger Fan

September 10, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Please explain to me why he should step down for quoting statistics? It’s no secret that blacks account for most crime and problems in schools. You can’t fix a problem until you admit the problem exists!!!!! NAACP is nothing but racist organization that has long been insignificant and should go away.

By KIM

September 10, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Inappropriate comments written that insinuate that all black people are the problem in schools are ignorant. I, for one, prefer that Mr. Wilbanks lead for all children more than anyone else in a superintendent position in the US. He focuses on education and not on politically correct words that feed on others’ insecurities. The School Board has backbone and knows a good thing when they work with one.

By Theman

September 10, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

They wont get involved in Clayton county because it was under black “leadership” that the county got messed up and corrupted. When will people stop letting this joke of an organization, which is, in itself a racist institution, stop bullying them by playing on “white guilt.” The guy spoke the truth and gets blasted for it. I thought they are supposed to advance the lives of black folks, not hold them back by blaming problems on white people.

By H.R.

September 10, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Gwinnett has 38% white in the schools,The NAACP could better serve Black American’s by working on thier problems. You can go to the jail an most are Black Or Latino’s it’s not because of the Sixth grade teacher. Look at Clayton county schools Black leadership maynot help the kids in Gwinnett. You can take the kid out of the Slum but you can’t take the Slum out of the kid.

By H.R.

September 10, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Gwinnett has 38% white in the schools,The NAACP could better serve Black American’s by working on thier problems. You can go to the jail an most are Black Or Latino’s it’s not because of the Sixth grade teacher. Look at Clayton county schools Black leadership maynot help the kids in Gwinnett. You can take the kid out of the Slum but you can’t take the Slum out of the kid.

By H.R.

September 10, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Gwinnett has 38% white in the schools,The NAACP could better serve Black American’s by working on thier problems. You can go to the jail an most are Black Or Latino’s it’s not because of the Sixth grade teacher. Look at Clayton county schools Black leadership maynot help the kids in Gwinnett. You can take the kid out of the Slum but you can’t take the Slum out of the kid.

By Curious George

September 10, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Typical Negroe rhetoric! I think the same thing was said about Clayton County back in the day until the Negrres got power and we can all see the track record there.

facts are facts about his statement and about many statements in regards to the Negro culture where education is equivolent to be an uncle tom.

NAACP - your time to step up and do something about your neighborhoods - how about buildiong something for a change instead of destroying

By Jim

September 10, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

My second post on this blog.

Go to this web site to see a comparison of SAT scores by race.
http://www.maec.org/natstats.html#sat

Blacks are on the bottom. There is no doubt about it. Asians are on top.

Being a minority does not cause a group to be on the top or bottom since a minority group is on top and one is on the bottom.

Why are Asians on top and Blacks on the bottom. I bet the answer is the same for both groups. Family!

By DanDeacon

September 10, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

The quality service for many years of dedication to an outstanding shcool system and tremendously long term superior character of Superintendent Wilbanks far outways any outlandish and slanderous remark from the NAACP or anyone about a childish and foolish disection of one of Superintendent Wilbanks. The NAACP and many blacks love to look for a play on words to cry racism for greed - not for the protection of people and certainly not for white people. Take a look at the Clayton County School system..why isn’t the NAACP there where serious concerns presented by black school board members exist? Because those members are black and the NAACP has a double standard. I say get off Superintendent Wilbanks amd the Gwinnett County School Boards back. Start working with real issues that have substance, rather than self serving issues to oust someone because they are white. Most likely the NAACP wants to see a black Superintendent and thinks this attempt will oust a hard working, decent individual that’s given all his life to making education in Gwinnett County a high priority.

Just remember, when you cry “Wolf” and there is no “Wolf”, people just look the other way and your cry has no value. If you want to regain credibility, start crying about real issues, like the one in Clayton County. Stop the whining and crying about racism, when it’s not.

By Gwinnett White Parent

September 10, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

What a joke! GCPS is one of the best school systems around and accomplished the task with hard work and dedication. Not just the school board but all parents and teachers.

It appears that these values are foreign to black parents, black students and the NAACP. Let me cite Clayton county as the most recent example but hte list is long. Their values seem to be handouts, government assistance, no daddies at home, and prison. Waht a legacy to past from generation to generation but it continues.

Boycott if you want but trust me in that you will not be missed, and as the facts demonstrate, we will have a lot less discipline issues in OUR schools.

Ask the good people in Idaho?

By Concerned Gwinnett Parent

September 10, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Facts are Facts. Clayton County is always an option for those who choose. Crime in the Clayton Co. Schools are high, the board memebers are incompentent, the Leadership is a joke, the County test scores are abysmal, houses are cheap and goverment assistance is everywhere. Why are you in Gwinnett? Sounds like most of the bloggers in favor of Wilbanks stepping aside would be more at home in Clayton County. See ya!!!

By Carz

September 10, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

The NAACP is no longer needed in our society, so they create problems where they don’t exist. Its a giant waste of everyone’s time. Look for real problems.

By The Truth

September 10, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

The truth is that Black and Spanish kids are disportionately being punished by GCPS. White kid brings and does drugs at school get caught by administrators who call parents. Kids get counseled/hospitalized and are back in school the next week without and infraction. Black, Spanish kids the police are called and kids go to jail. Minor infractions White kids parents are called and kids are counseled back in school the next day Black and Spanish kids are paneled and sent to alternative schools. White community face it you are lenient when it comes discipling white student and very severe when a black kid is punished. This same rational is seen in the society as a whole, hang the black person and rehabilitate the white.

By Ms. Jackson

September 10, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Yes Wilbanks should step down. I am a resident of Gwinnett County and there is much division between people of race and white people. My daughter is a student at Pinckneyville Middle School and you should see the division between the white students and the black or hispanic students——it is really a sad issue!!!!!

By geesh

September 10, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

There sure are some ultra-sensitive people out there…to take what he asked, specifically regarding a study that they were discussing, and demand him to step down (along with other board members, as suggested by maurice)

Why not import the old clayton county board? Then we won’t offend anyone….accreditation is soooo overrated….

I believe that groups (like the NAACP) that claim to fight for their specific group of people really don’t—if the ones they ‘fight for’ gained educational and financial independence, what need would there be for them?? They enourage the us vs. them mentality with rhetoric like this.

By Ms. Jackson

September 10, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

It really saddens me with the remarks posted. It really shows how racist, ignorant and slow southern white people really are. I am a successful black women, I am educated, I own a beautiful home in a gated community, I give back to my community and teach my children to respect themselves and others. It is time for a change in the south. I moved to Gwinnett to provide an opportunity for my children to receive a quality education. But it seems as if most white people in my community are intimidated by my success. What I tell my children is to continue to strive to be the best and work extremely hard.

By Ms. Jackson

September 10, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

Also just for the record, majority of children born out of wedlock in the country come from white women. Check the statistics!!!!! White people make up 70% of the people on welfare in this country. The media just fails to educate people about this. Did anyone read the article in the AJC about when in 2040 white people will be a minority. Wake up southern white people, your time is running out. We are here and we are here to stay!!!!!!——You brought us here!!!!!

By Ms. Jackson

September 10, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

At this point I am ashamed to be a resident of Gwinnett County!!!!!!! There is much division in the Gwinnett County schools.

By Tired

September 10, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

I remember when African American parents called for the NAACP at Shiloh High several years ago, they asked that the principal resign. He left. Now the school is majority black, because whites left the school in droves. I guess now they want the remaining whites to leave the county. There is no reason to discipline students who are behaving, just so we discipline an equal amount of white and black students. At Shiloh they don’t even have soap in the soap dispensers anymore or toilet paper in the girl’s restroom.. because of vandalism…

By sedimenjerry

September 10, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

When a state like Idaho has less than one percent of the population being black. Then of course they won’t have more blacks having disicpline problems than whites. By saying there weren’t many blacks in Idaho, he did not mean that there are no problems in Idaho because there are no blacks. Just that the ratio will be much smaller.

By Gwinnett Parent

September 10, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

“I have been an educator for 45 years and I have never found the need to discriminate or to be insensitive to any individual or group,” Wilbanks said during his annual state of the schools talk.

It is one thing to say you never have discriminated…I may buy into that, but to say you have never been insensitive ?

Come on guys. If you believe this you have never been in a meeting or school board meeting when Alvin Wilbanks or the board members are being challenged by community members, specifically parents. I suggest that you need to hang around till the end for the “comments” section, or meander through the crowd at the end of a board meeting if you want to hear the insensitive comments by some employees, and some board members (not the ones running for reelection) made regarding parents that speak, and dare to question, in the public forum.

Get real.

By Dennis

September 10, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

Wilbanks is an arrogant idiot! I attended the hearing over the suspension and eventual firing of a great Physics teacher in the Dacula school system. I was appalled that Gwinnett County schools were administered by such an incompetent person.

By Tom

September 10, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

With each stunt like this the naacp becomes more irrelevant & one step closer to extinction. the planet will rejoice.

By John

September 10, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Please tell me Maurice is not really a high school graduate, much less a college graduate. His comments are barely literate, with all the misspellings, bad grammar, incorrect usage, incorrect or missing punctuation and awkward syntax. has he stopped to think that maybe he, and not the schools, is the larger problem his kids face.

By Bless the Educators

September 10, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

No, the superintendent shouldn’t be made to resign. If those who are offended would stop and think about it, the superintendent’s intention was valid; he was trying to find out if Idaho has enough minority students to make a valid comparison. Yes, he could have phrased the question better. When did we and why have we become a country that destroys lives based on a poor choice of words?

By drk

September 10, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

Wilbanks should not resign.

i’m a teacher and i can tell you, blacks are generally problematic. not all, but where there is no male in the home and where drugs are rampant in the neighborhood, these kids live day to day. it’s more of a socialogical problem than race, however the black race is more prone to these issues and these problems that come into the schools with these children.

By annabelle

September 10, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

No. Mr. Wilbanks should not resign. The NAACP is out of line. Quoting one person’s question about a minority group and not showing the other context of the conversation does not qualify the question as racist.

By The Enlightened One

September 10, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

Given the tone and rhetoric in the majority of the postings, I am extremely concerned and troubled that my black students attend school with the children of many of the posters. I only pray that the children are being taught better at school than they are at home. Just as unfortunate, is that this is the buckle of the bible belt.

Jesus has lots more work to do!

By Tahuaya

September 10, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

The NAACP is worse than La Raza. It never looks at facts and always finds fault with white people.

If we are ever to be one people, we need to realize that most people are trying to do a good job.

Mr. Wilbanks should not have to put up with the likes of J.P. Portalatin. He a jerk.

Somos muchas carreras pero podemos ser una personas. Necesitamos para trabajar en ello.

By Dr. Craig Spinks

September 10, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

Where were the Gwinnett NAACP and teacher groups several years ago when the GCPSS was grossly underreporting disciplinary incidents because of approximately 44K “clerical errors?” If these groups REALLY want to do GCPS students of all hues a serious favor, they’d demand that order and discipline be enforced in every nook and cranny of every school by every teacher and administrator in that system.

By Burroughston Broch

September 10, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

The NAACP wants to penalize GCPS because the superintendent’s rhetorical question was correct. Check the US Census figures: (1) Gwinnett County population is about 1/2 that of Idaho, (2) there are 25 times as many blacks in Gwinnett as in Idaho, (3) therefore the percentage of black students in Gwinnett is 50 times that in Idaho. Facts are facts, regardless of political correctness. The NAACP should find something of substance to complain about.

By steve

September 10, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

If the lower level of black students in our schools would start acting like the black students “acting white”,they might learn something.I hear of stories of lower level black kids telling other black students they are “acting white”by trying to get ahead in school.Just shows you that they are ignorant in trying to get out of there low standard of living.You would think it runs in the family..

By Ted

September 10, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

My suggestion to those of the Gwinnett Co. community who find fault with the comments of Mr. Wilbanks first take a close look just how disruptive the students in the Gwinnett Co. school system are; and once an honest assessment of the problem is made take heed of the message that Mr. Bill Cosby is screaming at you as loud as he can. You can not allow your children to adopt gangland attitudes, disruptive behavior and anarchical social behavior and expect anything good to come of it.

At no time in history did “shooting the messenger” ever solve the problem.

If, indeed, there is a problem in the school system(s) that is clearly delineated by race then the root cause of the problem must logically go back to the home, not the school’s administration. Children are not taught formative values by teachers, they learn them at their mother’s knee.

Therefore, if the NAACP is looking for someone to crucify at the alter of diversity, then they must look to the culture the children are raised in rather then the schools whose prime function is the educate the children, not raise them.

By Jake

September 10, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately, Ms. Dodd’s most recent article quotes Superintendent Wilbanks’ comment about Idaho completely out of context. Reading Ms. Dodd’s most recent recitation of the facts, and having read many prior accounts, makes one sick: not at Superintendent Wilbanks, but Ms. Dodd’s failure to set up the question about Idaho and blacks in the proper context. The discussion was about discipline and minority students, thus the question about blacks in Idaho.
Ms. Dodd, you should be ashamed for skewing the facts as you did.

By Satilla

September 10, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

Mr. Portilatin why don’t you get interested in recommending some solutions to the discipline problems in the school system, rather than try to get rid of a man that has a proven track record?

By Gwinnett Mom

September 10, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

NAACP…Shut up! No, Wilbanks should not go anywhere. And no, we don’t want our system to end up like Clayton County. Yes, that’s what would happen if you (NAACP) had your way.

Why do you want to destroy everything? And just why do you think blacks commit more crimes? Think about this: One parent (usually a Mom, if she’s still there & didn’t leave the kid with the Grandmother) who has NEVER worked and has expected the government to PAY HER to take care of her own children. In other words, there’s no work ethic. The children growing up in these homes, have nothing to emulate. They don’t know what work is. They expect the government to give them everything. They hit age 18, then they are own their own. Shock time! They see something they want, they take it! (beat up old women in elevators, beat up and shoot convenient store workers, etc.) That’s all they know or will ever know as long as the black culture condones this.

NAACP, you want to help blacks? Then keep off whitey’s back. Why don’t you see what white’s do right, and your kids might make better grades and end up staying out of jail.

By Dondee

September 11, 2008 2:59 AM | Link to this

The NAACP is being ridiculous by demanding that Alvin Wilbanks step down over a comment that maybe could have been phrased differently but is the truth. I believe the gist of his comment is that you can’t compare discipline between 2 such diverse schools/populations….And he was right. Where is the racism in that? Where in his comments did it say anything about whites being better than blacks? This is just pure and utter nonsense and does nothing to make those who are not black believe that the NAACP is an organization to take seriously.

Like has been stated in some previous blogs, let them clean up the mess in their own yard. Better yet, let them go into Clayton Co and help out those poor parents and students that were ill served by such a self centered, uncaring board, that happened to be black……

This non issue has been given more than its 15 minutes of fame…..Time’s up

By Dondee

September 11, 2008 6:49 AM | Link to this

I agree with Walter H…..GCPS has for many years now been bridging the achievement gap in minorities and other subsets, better than state and national averages. A large part of this is due to the vision of Mr. Wilbanks and the board. Do you think if they were truly racists that they would even care?

The fact that should be examined by the NAACP and the community they “serve” is why there are so many black students written up on referrals. It is not an easy process, you have to have verifiable proof. Panels are for the most serious of offenses.

As one other poster put it, get rid of all the discipline problems, black, white and purple, so that the teachers can teach and those who are serious about learning can do so without disturbance. They don’t want to be at school, so why have them there?

I would ask that the NAACP back off….Let the voters of Gwinnett Co, who are becoming more and more diverse each day, pick our board, which in turn will pick our superintendent. NAACP, why don’t you worry about Clayton Co and leave Gwinnett alone.

By Judy

September 11, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this

NO, he should not step down. The NAACP should not be a black organization as he said. BUT it is. THEY need some reorganization and need to learn about equality. They basically promote racism. It is way past due for realizing that racism has now been reversed and equality no longer exits for ALL people.

By African American Gwinnett Mom

September 11, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

This is stupid and a waste of time

Mr Wilbanks was stating a fact.

I have often seen the Gwinnett NAACP run around “supporting” injustices, that in fact are not. Time and time again they have choosen to be the face of “MESS”. I have seen them stand beside parents and in the face of Principal after Principal calling various acts by students “unfair” and “racist”. These same students two years later are still in trouble, only now in our communities.

NAACP, why don’t you take the time and review the stand you have taking over the last two years, see where these young adults are now, and maybe you’ll understand the disrespect and disdain for your organization.

Take on some real issues like in Clayton County.

By potzz

September 11, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this

mr. bill cosby calls it like it is! yet mr. cosby gets blasted by the naacp for speaking the truth. his message is get on with it and quit the blame them game. take responsability for your actions get an education, keep families together ie: women who have kids with no fathers in their lives or even finance support, ect. what mr. cosby calls for is everyone and everybody to take responsability for their lives! no matter what race you are!

By Rob

September 11, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this

Once you read the entire conversation and look at the context and tone of the discussion, it is extremely easy to see that the NAACP (and the media) have hand-picked a few words to incite anger.

This is unfortunate because the records of the GCPS Board Members indicate that they have worked hard to protect minorities and improve their education experience. I think the fact they were even having this conversation indicates their concern for handling things the right way.

Wilbanks and his fellow Board members deserve re-election — I only hope they are not too disgusted to run again.

By Jim

September 11, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

Looks like the people of Gwinnett have spoken very clearly on this issue, keep Superintendent Wilbanks and fire Jorge “J.P. Portalatin. One is doing his job with excellence and the other is not. It’s really that simple

By Tahuaya

September 11, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

Here is a thought: It is impossible to live in Gwinnett County and not know some blacks on a personal level.

I have a lot of sympathy for many of the blacks that I know. They work hard, obey the law and are raising their families.

They are living good lives.

My sympathy comes from the fact that these families have to carry the burden of being black. That burden comes from the actions of organizations like the NAACP and from the actions of irresponsible blacks.

All blacks just get dumped into the same pot when some of them act like jerks.

The worse thing the NAACP does is make life difficult for responsible blacks.

Keep Wilbanks and get rid of the NAACP.

By Opus X

September 11, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

I’m sick and tired of the NAACP shakedowns. The comment that the NAACP is a civil rights organization that represents all is laughable.

The comments made by Mr. Portalatin are insensitive and offensive to me and I demand that he steps down.

By jim d

September 11, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

While many of you continue to support the current regime, I’d like to mention that there is a bigger picture that must be looked at. This is not an isolated incident.

I recall a young lady who wanted to ditch her cruthes to walk at graduation being denied. A young man who was placed in an inappropriate class simply because he was in a wheel chair and the same young man being lashed into a bus only after his mother demanded he be placed in the proper class. I recall Mr. Wilbanks words ringing like a bell when he claimed SPED was an albatross around the neck of Gwinnett county. I recall a vendetta he had against one of the county’s teachers of the year. And most of all I recall his falsifying records filed with the state.

I ask you. Is this really the man you want leading our schools? If so, I suggest you go to the polls in Nov. and just vote for every incumbent. I will be doing otherwise.

By Lolabelle Rock

September 11, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

That is all the NAACP wants is to get all the white people fired and the blacks come in and take it over. That is why this country is going to hell. I live in Tifton and I hear all kind of remarks made by black people about white people, but you don’t see the NAACP coming to our rescue. i lost my job because a black man kept making comments to me about sleeping with him and then when I reported it, this company fired me. All because he is in the NAACP. I hate them for that. Which he mind of kept his job, but God got vengance, because he lost his eye sight. I rather know that God is on my side than the NAACP.

By Matthew From Marietta

September 11, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

I was reading the comments and I agreed . The Reason why the Majority Minority Gwinnett School system is good because Whites are 38%, Hispanic 20%, Black 27%, Asian 10%, and other 4%. I say Wilbanks was telling the truth about the problems. The guy saw test scores rise under his role as superatendent. Despite of the demographic change, Gwinnett attracted good kids. I say Wilbanks should stay unless you want another clayton.

By steve

September 11, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Why is the NAACP and others calling for this man’s resignation, simply for stating facts?

According to the AJC, when told that blacks represent a disproportionate part of the disciplinary issues, in every state except Idaho, he said “Do they have any blacks in Idaho? They don’t have many.” That is a statement of FACT!

According to the 2006US Census figures, Idaho has just 0.7% blacks, or just 10,265 black people in the entire state! Gwinnett has over 154,449 in the COUNTY!

In other words, Gwinnett County has more than 15 times the number of black that Idaho has in the whole state! Simple arithmetic!

The other telling fact is the NAACP’s statement that “It is clear that regardless of his record, Superintendent Wilbanks does not possess the cultural competency required for the changing demographics in Gwinnett County nor our future”. In other words, the NAACP would rather have a more “sensitive individual” (i.e. one of their liking), than one with a proven track record of success toward ALL of our children.

Maybe the NAACP would like to see some of the rejects from Clayton county take over in Gwinnett? I am sure that the NAACP thinks that those folks were much more sensitive to the needs of black student. Too bad their incompetence proved that their sentitive nature was no substitute for actual positive results.

By MW

September 11, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

So there are immediate calls for the ouster of an effective superintendent because of “cultural competency” but not a word about a superintendent, paid outrageous amounts of money, that loses accreditation for first time in 40 years in the entire UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!??

Is this racial suicide?

By Terri

September 11, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

If NAACP had addressed Mr. Wilbank’s obvious insensitivity to minority children in the past, they might have more support now. It’s too bad that when he called special ed children “the albatross around the neck of public education” was not also called out on that.

By skeech

September 11, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

Black parents - please. If you’re offended by these remarks, take action! Why not move your children into a school district with strong black leadership. If strong black figure heads are needed in order to educate your children - why not move to Clayton County?

By Wallaca

September 11, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

If this special intrest group gets their way then what is that saying? I will tell you this…You will be looking at the next Clayton County

By Alvin

September 11, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

This country has become too PC for the NAACP. The org has outlived its effectiveness and usefullness.

By Pam

September 11, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

NO WAY. WILBANKS SHOULD NOT RESIGN!!! If you don’t like the school system, MOVE!!

By Sam

September 11, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

I have two words :

Clayton County

By anon

September 11, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

i think there needs to be an apology and really address the school to jail pipeline issue. parents and other concerned citizens are supposed to be attending the school board meeting about this mess supposedly tonight. ajc…please cover it.

By peg

September 11, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Thousands of African-American students were negatively affected by the loss of the Clayton County School accreditation. However the NAACP and other people who supposedly are looking out for the best interests of black students did not call for mass resignations there. It would have taken courage and self discipline from members of the NACCP to hold the primarily black members of Clayton County School Board accountable for their failures rather than supporting a successful white leader who has identified a problem. He said there is a problem with discipline in schools and that problem is reflected to a greater degree by the attitudes black kids get from home and bring into school. Instead of asking “What can we do to help?” The NAACP and some parents wish to shoot the messenger.

Perhaps the benefit Idaho has is not fewer black students but fewer NAACP members.

By AR

September 11, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Maybe if the news would stop talking about it the NAACP would just go away. Give me a break. They need to get a clue and move on to Clayton County. Wilbanks has done a great job in Gwinnett County. I guess the NAACP won’t be happy until Gwinnett county turns to complete crap.