GothamSchools — daily independent reporting on NYC public schools

A week after Chancellor Cathie Black made headlines by joking that more birth control would solve the problem of overcrowded schools, the furor is beginning to dissipate. But one parent who attended the meeting where Black made the controversial remark said it was blown out of proportion from the beginning.

Shino Tanikawa, a member of the Community Education Council for District 2, which is home to many of the city’s overcrowded schools, told GothamSchools that she’s no fan of Black. She sued the state for giving Black a waiver to become chancellor. But the chancellor’s birth control and Sophie’s Choice comments didn’t bother her. What she found disturbing, she said, was Black’s “total lack of vision or priorities” for the school system.

Tanikawa’s full response:

I think the remarks are diverting our attention away from more important issues.  The birth control was clearly a joke — I perceived it as her sincere effort to break the ice even though I agree that it’s not exactly appropriate given the setting (a Task Force of an Assemblyman — Speaker to boot — with a group of highly involved and concerned parents).  I am also more forgiving regarding “Sophie’s Choice” — I thought it was her way of telling us how seriously she took her decision making responsibilities. (Disclaimer: I am one of the petitioners who sued the State Education Department over her waiver — I am no fan). (more…)