Good afternoon. I am Scott Douglas, Executive Director of Greater Birmingham Ministries. Our organization exists to serve people, build community, and pursue justice. As part of our mission, we are committed to ensuring that ALL Birmingham children receive a quality education in SAFE, NURTURING learning environments.
As an organization, we are supported by many faith communities throughout our city of Birmingham. As the Executive Director of GBM, a proud father of a 101Birmingham City Schools Graduate, and as a person of faith, I am here today to say that the use of mace against our schoolchildren MUST STOP. Spraying mace in the eyes of students cannot be legally, morally, or professionally condoned.
As Ebony pointed out, Police Officers in the Birmingham City Schools often use mace as a disciplinary tactic against our children. ANY educational system that supports, encourages and accepts macing and arresting children as an extension of school discipline must be challenged, and it’s our responsibility to STAND UP, speak out and act for change. THANK YOU.