Civil rights accusation made against West Iron
By NIKKI YOUNK,Staff WriterIRON RIVER - An Iron River man has filed a racial discrimination complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) against the West Iron County Public Schools.
The man claimed that his son, a second-grader at Stambaugh Elementary, has been singled out because he is a Native American.
According to the complaint, a white teacher grabbed the student on Jan. 26. The teacher has allegedly grabbed the student multiple times in the past, but the school district has taken no action against the teacher, the complaint added.
"My son has had problems with white students, yet he is written up and the white students are not," the man stated in the complaint. "The respondent (West Iron County Public Schools) is looking for ways to write him up and force him to leave school."
Dave LaFreniere, regional director of the Michigan chapter of the American Indian Movement, has been following the case for years.
"This child has been picked on since kindergarten, the kids beat up on him, but the school administration just sends him home," he said. "The kid has a right to an education."
LaFreniere and the child's parents met with the superintendent, principal, school board members, and teachers in mid-January to discuss the situation, but they could not come to an agreement.
The child's parents then tried to file a complaint against one of the teachers, but the Iron County Prosecutor's office declined to file charges, LaFreniere added.
The civil rights complaint was taken by John Rodman of the MDCR office in Marquette. He was unable to be reached for comment on Friday afternoon after the complaint was issued.
According to the MDCR website, "The Department of Civil Rights works to prevent discrimination through educational programs that promote voluntary compliance with civil rights laws and investigates and resolves discrimination complaints."
West Iron County Public Schools acting superintendent Christopher Thomson also could not be reached for comment Friday, but he had previously told The Daily News that he had no comment on the issue.
Nikki Younk's e-mail address is nyounk@ironmountaindailynews.com.
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RandallRKniess
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02-10-09 10:29 PM
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Dear irmomof2, you are doing the right thing. Sometimes some adults don't want to accept that their children act with less than honorable actions. As you said, they are often acting out their parents attitudes and teachings. The parents refuse to stand corrected and the reflect their sour dispositions towards all who try to help or are in authority. That is why some who call others racists are they themselves the ones consumed by the hatred of others because race or creed. They are often to blinded by their own self pity and rage, to rationally look at a situation to make a determination of fact and truth. They instead choose to build their own versions with the bricks and mortar of hatred and divisiveness.
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jmcgraw
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02-10-09 8:39 PM
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we don't tolerate the bulling either ours is about the teachers singling the native children out because the faculty members are being racist and then the Prosecutor doesn't do her Job either because she's turning a blind eye to the situation at hand
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irmomof2
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02-10-09 4:51 PM
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No child is perfect. And dealing with children of this age they see things differently. They don't understand racial hate unless their parents taught them that. I talk with my children daily. Sometimes the truth is comes out sometimes not. But at the same time. When you have a child crying about not wanting to go to school. You start asking why. That is what happened. As things went my child was being bullied. For me race isn't an issue. Child bullies are. Color of peoples skin doesn't make them who they are. Most of that is LEARNED behavior. You ask my children who is native american in their school they will tell you there are lots. But does that bother them no. One is one of their best friends. Never had a problem with them at that child is in High school now. Most comments if you read them on here is why is RACE a big thing now. I don't think it is. I think the child is being bullied for bulling back. Or the other way around. There is alway a reason for a child being senthome
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irmomof2
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02-10-09 4:42 PM
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I didn't wait so long. I was talking with the school about somethings that happened just recently with my child and the one I had problems with. And then handed them paper work that was need. The school is doing the best they can with this cituation. But I also stated when I went in to talk to the school. I wanted my child seperated from this child once again. That was also stated in writing. Every thing else that has or had happened with my child and this child should already be doc. done. Since all parents were called in the office since Kindergarden. I didn't wait long. But the policies that went in place this year and talking with the school and enough is enough with the bulling. You also have to understand Children can talk in half truths. My child also thought that he/she could fix this child and all would be better. Well truth be told the other child was making my child be friend with him/her. You are dealing with 7/8 year olds here. Like I said my child isn't perfect.
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jmcgraw
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02-10-09 8:25 AM
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irmomof2 My Question to you is this why did you wait so long to Put in your complaint ? when you could of done this manytimes before when your child was having problems ?
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irmomof2
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02-09-09 5:00 PM
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Well just like you I can't disclose that information. Since there has been letters filed at the school now by me. I will say the child picking on my child is of native american decent. He lets everyone know this. He is a very proud child. Which any child should be proud of their heritage. But at the same time a bully is a bully. It doesn't matter the race. But I'm starting to think that this child in this article and the child picking on my child is one in the same. Why I'm feeling that way is one thing, I don't know. Maybe because this child is always sent home. That is why I'm thinking this. I do hope I'm wrong. But at the same time. Who ever is looking into this should talk to other parents too. There is always two sides to every story. That's why I said one more time and I'm going to have a chat with the school and the childs parents too. Not just the school.
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jmcgraw
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02-09-09 3:23 PM
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irmomof2 Maybe the child who picks on your child is the same one doing this to my friends child as well I suppose you don't Have a Name by chance do you ?
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jmcgraw
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02-09-09 3:19 PM
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irmomof2 That wasn't implied towards you
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irmomof2
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02-09-09 11:14 AM
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Mr. Mcgraw, My post are not racist. I'm just stating if the two children are one in the same then he/she is a bully. I don't care about what race is picking on what race. But when I have a child come home upset that a kids was going through his backpack and taking things out and ordering him around or get beat up. I'm upset. This is what is happening with my child. And the child that is doing everything parents believe their child does no wrong. I'm not dis crediting anyone. All I'm saying I believe the child is the one picking on my child and it is doc. that my child didn't start anything. I'm not saying my child is perfect. He has been sent home for things.
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jmcgraw
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02-08-09 7:36 PM
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Well your no fun your still a racist Biotch whiteboy
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RandallRKniess
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02-08-09 7:33 PM
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LOL. Like I said folks , the guy is criminally insane. I hear him Squaw-king? Sorry but you're not my type. No phone number for you. LOL
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jmcgraw
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02-08-09 10:53 AM
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if that don't get you out of the closet i don't know what will
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jmcgraw
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02-08-09 10:52 AM
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one little indian two little indian three little indain boys and your wishing they were 8 and 9 yr olds in your shower
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jmcgraw
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02-08-09 10:49 AM
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your white racist against Native Americans you must work at the same school The difference is your M.O. you hide behind the bushes waiting for them younger children just so you can have your way. I bet you and the two other teachers have a lot in common so one teacher is a child abuser and you and the coach are pedophile
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jmcgraw
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02-08-09 10:41 AM
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Columbus was a drunken idiot who never made it to America your mentality proves you celebrate him still
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jmcgraw
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02-08-09 10:18 AM
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besides randy you can't break my spirit I don't drink or do drugs as if that was any of your business and like i said your to chicken to do anything but run your flapper you won't do anything any way so why are you rabbling off at the lips ? Post your number idiot
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jmcgraw
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02-08-09 10:12 AM
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here is proof your racist Randal If this kid is any thing like you, maybe the teacher should use both of her hands next time. One little, two little, three little Indians! You really are quite ignorant! No wonder people were able to buy Manhattan for $26.oo in beads. You ain't Cochise or Sitting Bull. How about "LOTTA BULL"!!!
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jmcgraw
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02-08-09 10:09 AM
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Randal your the one talking bull and if your racist remarks continue you'll be next !!! Just because your using a fake name doesn't mean I can't find you !!! So keep running your flapper My point is and has been made you would do anything but run your flapper anyway. if your such a big know it all post your phone number you don't have what it takes chicken
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RandallRKniess
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02-08-09 8:24 AM
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Michigan Chapter American Indian Movement. Never heard of them until now. If "Slow Draw McGraw" aka. "Lotta Bull" is representative of their ilk, we really are dealing with the criminally insane. No wonder they were concidered savages.
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RandallRKniess
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02-08-09 8:04 AM
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I guess that I may have upset a few of the other posters with my last comment about the kid. It was ment to send "Lotta Bull" back to his bottle and Ghost Dance. I'm sure that he even grates on other Native Americans. Lets just say he proves the point that we should not take it from the cheap extortionists in our midst. Especially from losers like him.
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RandallRKniess
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02-08-09 7:54 AM
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If this kid is any thing like you, maybe the teacher should use both of her hands next time. One little, two little, three little Indians! You really are quite ignorant! No wonder people were able to buy Mannhattan for $26.oo in beads. You ain't Cochise or Sitting Bull. How about "LOTTA BULL"!!!
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jmcgraw
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02-08-09 7:36 AM
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Just Remember this we The American Indian Movement Michigan Chapter (Are respected by many, hated by some, but they are never ignored) !!!
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jmcgraw
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02-08-09 7:28 AM
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Here's some history for you all Fred Dakota KBIC's ex Tribal Chairman who do you think was behind that when Baraga was up in arms ? The American Indian Movement Michigan Chapter and I admit we are one of the reasons he went to Federal Prison Fred Dakota still is a poor sap today
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jmcgraw
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02-07-09 10:46 PM
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From JMcGraw Member of The American indian Movement Michigan Chapter WHAT IS THE AMERICAN INDIAN MOVEMENT? Things will never be same again and that is what the American Indian Movement is about ... They are respected by many, hated by some, but they are never ignored ...
Words and thoughts by Birgil Kills Straight, Oglala Lakota Nation. Author, Richard LaCourse, Director, American Indian Press Association 1973 Seen at AIMOVEMENT website
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jmcgraw
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02-07-09 10:30 PM
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American Indian Movement MI Chapter "We don't have a choice about paying attention to the needs of our young people. They are our tomorrow. Today we have a responsibility to give them what each and every one of them deserves, a good life, a strong body, and understanding of what it really means to be Indian." -- Clyde H. Bellecourt, Executive Director
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