There’s more to the story at PS 84 in Brooklyn. From what I understand, the then-PTA was hostile toward the “new” parents–which I’m assuming means mostly white–and from what I understand, in 2006, the cops were called because a fist fight ensued. I don’t think Superintendent Quail has been unreasonable or Tweed is to blame in this particular instance. I’d love to see communities and parents also take some responsibility for their end of perpetuating unfortunate hostile feelings, which can also make it hard for any principal to run a school and for all parents and children to feel good about the school and want to participate. It’s unfortunate the class and race wars still play out in schools, but I think we have to remember that racism cuts all ways.
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