Modern Louisiana
Rules for this page: This is the section of the learning module where current events that might be considered racial discrimination are examined. Good news will also be discussed. This section is meant to be informal and opinionated. When posting an issue, a simple annotation of the source is required. (This is where normally a discussion could be had, but the webmaster still has much to learn about the operation of a website before that can happen.)
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In October, 2009, a Louisiana justice of the peace in Tangipahoa Parish refused to perform the marriage of an interracial couple. The justice claimed that he was not a racist, but that it had been his experience that interracial couplings do not last, and his main concern was for the bi-racial children; he had routinely recused himself from performing such interracial unions.( Reported by Melinda Deslette, The Times-Picayune, November 03, 2009.)
This issue has since been resolved with the resignation of the justice...but it took nearly a month of state and national pressure. Too long.
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Tangipahoa Parish is about one hundred miles southeast of Jena, where serious racial tensions involving the “Jena 6” had garnered national attention in 2007. What happened in Jena resulted in more than 10,000 protesters marching in what has been called the “ largest civil rights protest in years." (Reported by Maria Newman, The New York Times, September 24, 2007.)
What happened in Jena with the police department discriminating against black juveniles garnered national attention because of the blatant and alleged abuse. While giving Louisiana a black eye, one hopes that the nation took notice that a significant march did occur, that the abuses, alleged or otherwise, are no longer tolerated in Louisiana.
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On September 23, 2009, an announcement was made over the p.a. system at Cecilia High School (Lafayette Parish) by the principal: “all my black native American boys, y'all come to the cafeteria.” What a strange expression from the past, but the principle, who is white, has defended himself by describing a situation at his school in which the cause of all the recent violence and ruckus on the school grounds has been caused by the blacks. (Reported by Jon Carrere, for KATC news, and accessed on the internet at <www.Katc.com/news>.)
The principal is still the principal. After a very brief local protest, the story, which failed to gain any significant press, died. The principal has apparently been given a pass because he has done similar things in the past with female students and his intentions were noble. Of course, the problem needed to be addressed, but the proper way to handle a situation such as this, and his ignorance is surprising, is to call all students in for a discussion, or just the ones that are suspected. I find it hard to believe that all black male students at Cecilia High were involved in the hi-jinks, while all the good white boys, and girls for that matter, were not. Right message; wrong method.
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