The United States Constitution once diminished oppressed people, counting them three-fifths of a free person. The Howard County Board of Education Study Commission shamefully proposes to count county voters as just 70 percent of a full vote in future school board elections.
The commission's offensive first principle is that racial bigotry determines board elections, thus certain races deserve ensured representation they cannot win through the ballot box. A distinguished list of minority officials elected by these "racists," including the current County Council chairman, proves otherwise.
This recommendation debases the carefully considered votes of residents that have until now led to an honored, high-achievement school system unquestionably serving all races and other social units well. This commission would not only hand an elected official appointment authority to offset the electorate's supposed injustice; adoption of this plan will infuse partisan and racial politics into the supposedly non-partisan administration of our excellent schools. This plan must be dropped.
Brian Boettcher
Long Reach