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Residents and NAACP supporters clash in public comment over rent-free NAACP office at Gary Adult High School
Summary
Multiple speakers during public comment urged the board either to remove or to preserve the NAACP office at Gary Adult High School; speakers presented competing views about whether the branch is inactive or a vital community partner. The board took no action during the meeting.
Dozens of members of the public used the meeting’s public-comment period on Feb. 11 to press the school board on a recurring local controversy: the NAACP’s use of office space at the Gary Adult High School campus without rent, according to multiple speakers.
Several speakers, including Julia Jackson and Bishop Michelle Patty, said the NAACP’s presence on school property represented favoritism and a conflict of interest because other organizations are not offered the same terms. Jackson said the NAACP’s “free rent and board, which includes free furniture” amounted to unequal treatment of community groups. Bishop Michelle Patty and others urged the board to remove the organization from the site so the NAACP could operate from an independent office and act without perceived constraints.
NAACP speakers and supporters countered that the branch runs tutoring, health expos and an empowerment center, and that the organization plays an active role in youth programming. Jarvin Salami, who described the branch’s activities, listed examples that included a health expo serving 3,000 people, minority-business support and STEM programming for youth; he said the NAACP operates an “empowerment center” and helps minority-owned contractors compete for district work.
Other speakers emphasized the NAACP’s long history and community programs, including weekend tutoring and youth STEM teams. Several supporters called the criticism a personal attack on the branch’s local leaders and urged the board to maintain the partnership.
Board members did not take action on the comments at the meeting. The public-comment period is advisory; staff said they will follow up with speakers as appropriate.
Why it matters: The exchange raises questions about board policy for use of school property by outside organizations, transparency of any memorandum of agreement, and whether different community organizations receive equal access and support.
What’s next: Speakers said they expect the district to review the memorandum of agreement and to follow up with complainants and partner groups; the board did not indicate a vote or formal review schedule at the Feb. 11 meeting.
