By Peter A. Sutters Jr.
About 25 people marched on the steps of the Tweed Courthouse at 52 Chambers Street donning sandwich boards that said “It's a crime to leave our children behind” and “What would MLK say?” while demanding that K'Tori at least get the same treatment that other principals in similar positions have, as well as calling for his reinstatement.K'Tori was transferred days before the start of the new school year after allegations arose that he registered children who should not have been given a seat at the school through the lottery system that selects students for various locations. In addition to the lottery charge, K'Tori is also accused of trying to stop special education classes from being placed at the school as well as ignoring proper procedures in purchasing materials while at a previous school. “We stand here today to support this man, this rally is a show of support for Dr. K'Tori,” said Rosalind O'Neal, president of the African-American & Caribbean Education Association. “We support you, we respect you, and we want you back”O'Neal said that K'Tori was a “sacrificial lamb” and is being treated differently than other principals that have done worse while at the helm of a school, although she did not cite specific examples. O'Neal said even though the city says it strives for parent involvement, it has ignored the calls for K'Tori's reinstatement and attempts to block parents from having a say in their children's schools. “There are more barricades to keep parents out of the education process,” said O'Neal. “They have created a wall to parent access.”O'Neal ended her speech by listing a mandate that she demanded of the Department of Education, including ensuring a quality education for students, parity in all school districts, holding superintendents accountable, and requiring leadership “of K'Tori's caliber” in all schools. Former District 29 School Board President Nathaniel Washington also spoke in support of K'Tori at the march. He said K'Tori is enduring a “public lynching that is unprecedented in the past” by the Department of Education.”This is a historical day to fight for your rights,” said Washington. “This is one spark in the fire that will burn throughout the city.” Reach reporter Peter A. Sutters Jr. by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300 Ext. 173.
