Too few "role-models" in Monticello? By TOM RUE
A Monticello High School mediation counselor and athletic coach, Larry Armstead, says he was discriminated against when the school filled a postion without advertising or posting the opening.
A complaint letter was read by Armstead at the June 18th meeting of the Monticello Human Rights Commission (HRC), at which school superintendent Eileen Casey was present as a guest speaker. The letter stated that there are too few "role model professionals employed" by Monticello for minority students.
Casey explained that a Civil Service position as in-school suspension monitor, which was not posted or publicly advertised, was filled by a white woman. Armstead said he was unaware the promotion was available, and would have applied had he known. Feeling unfairly passed over, Armstead said he has decided to accept a position in South Carolina working with disadvantaged youth. He grew up in Monticello.
Also present at the HRC meeting was Orange County Human Rights executive director Kevin Barrett of Bloomingburg. Casey expressed interest in possibly contracting with Barrett to conduct human relations training for Monticello faculty and staff.
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WWW editor's note: The text of Mr. Armstead's complaint did not appear in TRR due to space constraints, but is reproduced in the on-line version:
To whom it may concern:
I am writing this letter to inform the [Human Rights] Committee of the current low numbers of role model professionals that are employed by the Monticello Central School District. I have worked in the district for the past year and a half, only to find that a career for me here was not to be. I find it sad for district that has a minority population of about 30% to only have less than 5% minority professional staff.
Not to cricitize the current staff, but Spanish is being taught by non-Spanish teachers, African studies and Chinese are being taught by non-Africans and non-Chinese. In today's society it is essential that the student be diversified in order to function in this diversified society in which we live.
My personal dilema with the district is minor for I have found employment out of the area. Next year the students, your children, will prepare for school. I hope you as parents will ensure that they receive a modern education.
Respectfully yours,
Lawrence L. Armstead