Quip strikes racial chord in NC school debate 3/10/10

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The debate over halting a policy that diversifies schools in a North Carolina county is turning strident with accusations of racism.

Officials with the North Carolina NAACP filed a complaint Friday against the Wake County school board, arguing that a comment by its chairman referring to opponents of the policy as “animals” indicated that the board has “racist attitudes.”

An NAACP attorney questioned the board chairman’s educational background and referred to the members halting the diversity policy as “clowns.”

Board Chairman Ron Margiotta has said his “animals” comment was out of line but not racial. He is part of a new board majority looking to roll back a school busing policy in favor of focusing on neighborhood schools.

Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed