CNN- After nine long hours
The diversity decision came nearly nine hours into a tumultuous day. Chairman Ron Margiotta and his four allies beat back amendments by opponents on the board who didn’t want to pass the resolution without more study, more research and more information on its cost.
“If this is going to stand the test of time, it could stand the test of a work session,” said opposition member Kevin Hill.
The majority agreed to an amendment by Dr. Anne McLaurin, another opposition member, that inserted language from the state constitution that guarantees all North Carolina children “an equal opportunity for a sound basic education.”
Then, member Carolyn Morrison put the majority in the position of having to vote on “a plan that ensures that schools will not become segregated.” Ultimately, the majority didn’t support Morrison’s amendment.
“The eyes of the nation are upon us,” Morrison said.
Tedesco sharply disagreed with the charge that ending the diversity policy will lead to resegregation. “That doesn’t happen today. The fact is, the laws of the state of North Carolina and the federal government are sufficient to make sure that does not occur.”
During a public comment period, police removed more than 20 people, mostly in their teens and early 20s, who sat in the hallway outside the meeting room and pierced the proceedings with loud chanting: “No resegregation in our town! Shut it down!”
Read more: http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/03/24/404299/tumultuous-session-ends-diversity.html#ixzz0jSdms0HQ
