Data Disasters and Civic Slackers

Thursday, June 13th

Merrick Garland and Accountability

Much of the discussion focused on the recent developments involving Merrick Garland and how the House voted on contempt charges against him by a slim margin.

The conversation underscored the sentiment many feel in today’s political climate—an eagerness to hold leaders accountable for their actions.

Examining Civic Engagement in North Carolina

One of the alarming revelations discussed was the pitiful state of civic engagement in North Carolina.

The National Conference of Citizenship released data indicating North Carolina ranks 50th out of 51 in engagement with local public officials and 47th in participation in public meetings. It was a stark reminder of how crucial it is to be involved in local governance to make impactful changes.

Sloan and Margo urged activists to recognize the importance of community involvement, whether attending town council meetings or engaging in local electoral processes.

The Role of Social Media

As our society becomes more digitally connected, the role of social media in shaping public opinion and discourse is another crucial point. Despite being a powerful tool for information dissemination, North Carolina ranks very low in social media engagement on political and societal issues.

The girls asked grassroots activists to share content more actively and not shy away from discussing important issues online. 

Margo made this call to action: “We need you to be our amplifiers, please.”

Education and Disciplinary Practices

Education policy was another major topic, particularly focusing on the state’s handling of disciplinary issues and the certification of Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers. The conversation highlighted educational policies' complexities and sometimes "over-bureaucratic" nature. 

One notable story involved a Davidson County student suspended for asking a question about the term "alien," which led to a heated debate on the necessity of due process in disciplinary actions. The consensus was that while accountability is crucial, forcing teachers to navigate excessive red tape might hinder their ability to maintain classroom discipline.

Sloan and Margo also criticized the bureaucratic hurdles trade professionals face when wanting to teach CTE subjects. The argument was made that practical experience should often precede formal certification, which can be considered unnecessary red tape.

Sloan made a call to simplify the process:

"Get a mechanic to go in and teach the class. Get a beauty shop operator to go and teach the class. Forget about the teacher licensing."

Safety in Schools

School safety was another critical issue brought to light. The speakers discussed reports about teachers with active licenses appearing on sex offender lists and the loopholes in North Carolina’s laws allowing this to happen.

The alarming reports of teachers who, despite being on sex offender lists, still hold active licenses raised critical questions about the safety of students. 

Sloan said, "There is a serious problem if teachers under severe allegations can still keep teaching licenses in good standing." 

This issue has prompted calls for immediate reforms, advocating for the suspension of licenses until allegations are fully investigated and resolved, ensuring that the primary role of government—safeguarding its citizens, especially children—is fulfilled.

Oversight and Budget Management

The conversation shifted to financial oversight, highlighting recent county budget overruns. Notably, Alamance County schools were mentioned as over budget by $4 million, reflecting financial mismanagement within the state's educational institutions. 

Such instances emphasize the need for robust checks and balances at the state level.

Senator Amy Gailey was commended for calling out the financial discrepancies.

Sloan and Margo emphasized the importance of having diligent oversight at multiple levels—local, state, and federal—to prevent misuse of funds and ensure financial accountability. The discussion was a stern reminder that proper financial management is crucial in maintaining the quality of public services, including education.

Community Involvement and Proactive Citizenship

The speakers continuously circled back to the theme of community involvement and proactive citizenship. They urged the audience to engage more actively in their communities by attending local government meetings or community discussions. 

Sloan shared a personal approach: "I just talked with business owners about how things were going for them. It's amazing what you can learn just from simple conversations." This anecdote highlighted the power of grassroots engagement and the importance of being genuinely interested in the well-being of one's community.

Building Momentum for Change

The speakers also addressed the organizational aspects of political engagement, stressing the importance of having cohesive local strategies. They offered practical advice for aspiring political leaders and community organizers. For instance, collaboration between school board candidates and county commissioners was suggested as a powerful strategy to create united fronts on key local issues.

One key takeaway was understanding that everyone can make a difference, no matter how small their initial contributions might seem. Whether it’s organizing door-knocking events, participating in local elections, or simply staying informed and spreading the word, the speakers stressed that every action counts to preserve democratic values and community integrity.

Conclusion

In summary, the discussion was a reminder of the interconnectedness of political accountability, community involvement, and effective governance. The speakers emphasized the need for active civic participation, diligent oversight, and practical solutions to educational and safety issues. 

Their call to action was clear: North Carolina's future depends on its citizens’ willingness to step up, engage, and demand better from their leaders and institutions. By collectively working towards these goals, significant improvements can be made not just in North Carolina but potentially as a model for broader civic re-engagement in other states.