Some of the judge’s remarks
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Jerry Baxter did not hand down sentences Monday to 10 defendants convicted in the Atlanta Public Schools test-cheating trial, but he offered some insights about the case. Here are some of his comments:
“It was like watching a slow train wreck. Nobody wanted to get off the train.” — referring to the defendants’ actions.
“I think your case is probably the biggest tragedy of all of this … in my personal view, just sitting up here. I’m sorry and I consider you a wonderful educator and that’s what makes it so sad. You were under a lot of pressure.” — to defendant Dana Evans.
“The devil’s over here saying ‘Throw the book at them!’ “
“I’ve got the fair sentence in my mind and it involves going to jail.”
“If you don’t accept responsibility and there’s no recognition of harm, a lot of times you get what you deserve.”
“They just wanted it to go away,” — referring to many Atlanta business leaders.
“There is a faction of the community that wants me to throw the book at everybody.”
“I’m not giving these folks 20 years.”
“I’m not rewarding anyone.” — to the father of defendant Tabeeka Jordan.
“I will defend their verdict and I don’t appreciate anybody attacking their verdict.”
“They are the most vulnerable children in our city, and they were short-changed. They were passed on and now they’re in the prison system.”
“This morning it came to me, the only reason I would send you to jail is for retribution. And I think I’ve made my point.”
“I’m ready to get in my refrigerator.” — said before a lunch break.
“Pray for these kids that got cheated.”
About the Author
Eric Stirgus joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2001. He is the newsroom's education editor. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Eric is active in the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Education Writers Association and enjoys mentoring aspiring journalists.
