Charlotte Mecklenburg’s school board held its second community forum to solicit input from the community on their proposal for a drastic overall of the school system, which includes the closure and/or consolidation of several schools.

The forum was scheduled from 6-8 p.m., with the regularly scheduled board meeting to begin promptly at 8:10 pm.

Emotions ran high as dozens of parents, teachers, students and education activists spoke out against the proposal asking board members to reconsider closing down their schools. None spoke in support of the proposal.

When board chair Eric Davis called the open microphone portion of the forum to an end after an hour of public remarks, some parents who had signed up to speak were upset they didn’t have the chance to say what they came to say. They inquired if more time could be given so they could have the opportunity to speak.  

When Davis denied their request, Natambu stood up and led the crowded chamber in a chant of “we want more time!” He could be heard telling parents and citizens that they should be willing to speak up for their children and that he wasn’t afraid of the consequences.

“You can’t be scared of these people,” he said.

Security asked the crowd to leave the chamber. Nantambu and other parents continued to shout. “Fifteen more minutes,” they chanted. “Stand up for your children” others chanted.

When Natambu ignored requests to leave, he and one other person were arrested. They were charged with disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.

Everyone was asked to leave the chamber so that order could be returned to the crowd. People were allowed to return after a police officer explained to them that they would be arrested if they caused any further disturbances.

Superintendent Peter Gorman and several board members were not in the chamber at the time of the outburst. They were watching video of remarks from remote locations throughout the Government Center, and did not enter the chamber until the crowd was dispersed.

Also: Campus closure debate turns to unrest

Comments