Rochester City School District "Leaders" Openly Exhibit Fascist Flirtations
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I am convinced that we have arrived at a low point in recent history of local politics --- in which the Rivera Administration and the Rochester Board of Education are openly exhibiting flirtations with fascism. Is it possible that their correspondence below is an indicator (trial balloon) relative to a future trend?
To The Rochester Community,
I thought you might be interested in knowing that, in my humble opinion, (as clearly indicated by the letter below, which was sent to me and reportedly at least several other taxpaying, Rochester citizens) --- the Rivera Administration of the Rochester City School District, and his mainly ignorant henchmen/women who have the unmitigated gall and audacity to refer to themselves as education leaders --- are openly flirting with and displaying unmistakably, fascist tendencies. I could be wrong. Please read and decide for yourself.
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Rochester City School District                                                      March 7, 2005
Mr. Howard Eagle
94 Riverferry Way
Rochester, New York 14608
Dear Mr. Eagle:
On Monday, February 28, 2005, a special meeting of the Board of Education was called for the purpose of voting on resolutions involving the District's Managed Choice/Parent Preference Policy and recommendations to close schools and end certain building lease agreements. The Board, as always, affords members of the public the opportunity to speak at the beginning of the meeting (and in prior public hearings).
At this meeting, you and other citizens, parents and District staff left the seating area of the board room approaching the Board dais as a group, engaged in a pattern of shouting which prohibited debate and discussion for a period of time. The intent was clearly to prevent a vote upon the resolution and your refusal to comply with requests of the Board President to respect the rules of the Board, disrupted the meeting to such an extent that we were compelled to call law enforcement authorities for assistance in maintaining order. Such actions by individuals and groups are not only discourteous to the elected representatives, but disrespectful of the process of representative government; and in violation of two district policies of the Board. As a federal appeals court noted last year, the presiding officer of a public body cannot condone the effort of a speaker ".. .to try to hijack the proceedings, or to filibuster them..."
Under Policy 1520 [Public Conduct on School Property] adopted in 1998, ".. .Any action by an individual or group aimed at disrupting, interfering or delaying the educational process, or having such effect, is hereby declared to be in violation of Board policy." The District Code of Conduct, and particularly Section 5300.70 imposes upon all people on District property the duty to ".. .conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly manner. Just as parents, guardians and other visitors expect the administrators, teachers and staff to treat them with dignity and civility, those visitors are expected to extend the same courtesy and cooperation to the District's employees..."
131 West Broad Street • Rochester, New York 14614 • (585) 262-8525 • Fax: (585) 262-8381
  The Code of Conduct expressly prohibits disruption of meetings or other District activities; willful inciting of others to commit acts prohibited by the Code; or language which is abusive or uncivil. The Code expressly prohibits any person from engaging in behavior .. .which violates District rules, particularly with regard to the limited public forum made available by the Board..." This letter constitutes formal notification pursuant to Board of Education Policy that if conduct which has the intent or effect of disrupting the proceedings of the Board is repeated, we reserve the right to have the individual removed from the building; to restrict or eliminate any individual's privilege of addressing the Board at meetings; and/or to limit an individual's access to District property for a time and in a manner appropriate to the disruptive or uncivil conduct displayed. Some of the recipients of this letter are also District employees. City School District employees, like any other parent or citizen, have a right to speak at public hearings and Board meetings in accordance with the established procedures. However, City School District employees may be disciplined if they violate these policies. Accordingly, any future violation of Board Policy and Regulations governing Public Conduct on School Property by a District employee will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal, as provided by established policy. We ask for all staff and citizens to model important values for our students at all times and to comply with established procedures that enable the Board to conduct important business in an orderly way.  Sincerely, Darryl W. Porter President Rochester Board of Education
                                                                 Manuel J.Rivera                                                                                     Superintendent                                                                                    Rochester City School District xc: Members of the Board
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