Outrage Erupts Over Columbus City Schools' Secret Plan to Manipulate Public Opinion – Read the Leaked Document

Columbus, OH – May 21, 2024 – A recently leaked Columbus City Schools (CCS) Board of Education strategy document has ignited community outrage and demands for immediate resignations. The document, titled “Taking Control of the Task Force Narrative,” reveals shocking tactics aimed at manipulating public perception and suppressing opposition to school closures.

Overview of the Leaked Document

Dated May 10, 2024, and allegedly presented by Board member Brandon Simmons, the document outlines a controversial plan to:

• Exploit Racial Divides: The strategy includes plans to “drive a wedge” between certified and classified Board employees using racial dynamics, which has been condemned as deeply unethical.
• Conceal Negative News: Instructions to hide all “bad or less than positive” news from the public and defer negative agenda items to future meetings.
• Disruptive Meeting Tactics: Plans to change Board meeting locations last minute and interrupt speakers to prevent them from voicing concerns.
• Manipulate Media: Rewarding compliant media outlets with priority seating and interviews while sidelining critical ones.
• Discredit Critics: Tactics to smear critics, including Board employees and the Columbus Education Association (CEA) president.

Read the Full Leaked Document Here

Community Response and Open Letter

In response, the Columbus Education Justice Coalition and the CEA issued an open letter to the Board of Education, demanding the following actions:

1. Immediate Resignation of Brandon Simmons: Calling for the resignation of Brandon Simmons for his role in presenting and possibly authoring the document.
2. Transparency in Communications: Requiring all communications regarding the Task Force to be made public for community review, in compliance with Ohio’s public records law.
3. Assurance of Non-Implementation: Demanding public assurances that none of the document's plans have been or will be enacted.
4. Restart of the Task Force Process: Insisting that the recommendations of the current Task Force be discarded and the process restarted with genuine community input.

Columbus Education Association's Demands

The Columbus Education Association (CEA) is calling for the resignation of Columbus City Schools board member Brandon Simmons and for the district to scrap plans to close up to 20 school buildings. The call for Simmons' resignation comes after union officials claimed he shared a strategy document that outlined a plan "to use racial divides to attack opponents of school closures."

In an open letter to the district, CEA President John Coneglio stated that the teacher's union received a strategy document allegedly presented to other board members on how to handle opposition to school closings. Photographs of the alleged document were attached to the release, dated May 10.

Authenticity and Board Response

Neither the authenticity of the document nor its author has been authenticate at the time of this report. We did reach out to Columbus City Schools Board President Christina Vera, and Vice President Dr. Tina Pierce. Simmons also could not be immediately reached for comment.

In the alleged strategy document, the plan urges members of the board to remain "on message," and also "drive a wedge” between teaching faculty and staff like janitors and bus drivers with “racial dynamics.”

The letter from the union head called for Simmons to immediately resign and said the recommendations of the facility task force for closing schools must not be accepted. The letter was also signed by Izetta Thomas of the Columbus Education Justice Coalition.

Upcoming Board Meeting

The letter comes ahead of a Tuesday evening meeting where members of the board are expected to hear from the public about up to 20 possible closures of school buildings.

Historical and Cultural Context

This incident echoes a long history of mistrust and advocacy in urban education settings. Historically, marginalized communities, particularly Black and Brown communities, have faced systemic inequities in education. Efforts to close schools or alter their structure often disproportionately impact these communities, making transparency and genuine engagement crucial.

The Black press and community organizations have long played a vital role in holding public institutions accountable. From Ida B. Wells's pioneering journalism in the late 19th century to modern-day activism by groups like the Columbus Education Justice Coalition, the fight for equitable education remains a central issue.

Call to Action

The Columbus Education Justice Coalition urges all stakeholders to engage actively in this critical moment. Here’s how you can help:

• Attend Board Meetings: Ensure your voice is heard and hold the Board accountable.
• Support Transparency Legislation: Advocate for stronger transparency laws to prevent similar issues in the future.
• Stay Informed and United: Join local education advocacy groups to stay informed and support collective action.

United efforts can ensure the education system serves all students equitably and justly.

For more information or to get involved, contact Izetta Thomas at thomasi@ceaohio.org.

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