Public commenter alleges curb painting was retaliatory; asks board for independent inquiry
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Clifford Patterson told the board he believes a newly painted curb at the Macon Road Library targeted his lawful protest and seeks an independent inquiry, citing contradictory staff statements and an email from Superintendent David Lewis; another commenter raised due-process concerns for students.
Clifford Patterson addressed the board during public comment on Nov. 17, saying a peaceful protest he led at the Macon Road Library in August prompted what he believes was a retaliatory action by the district.
Patterson said he "parked legally with a political sign" and that library staff called the Muscogee County Police Department; he said an incident report confirms police responded but that Muscogee County School Police later denied the report existed. "This proves the curb painting was not about safety," Patterson said, referring to a curb painted yellow at the Macon Road site within two weeks of the protest.
Patterson said the purchase order authorizing work was for parking-lot striping and that no striping occurred; he said photo evidence he collected shows only the Macon Road location was altered and alleged the timing and contradicted explanations suggest selective enforcement tied to political speech. He said Superintendent David Lewis and Allen Harkness, director of Chattahoochee Valley libraries, told him the decision was made without board consultation.
"I respectfully ask the board to review the full documentation, initiate an independent inquiry, ensure Muscogee County School District policies protect civic expression, and prevent misuse of public resources," Patterson said. He said he has submitted a formal legal demand and offered to share supporting documents with board members.
The meeting record also includes a separate public comment from Leroy Manners, who raised procedural and due-process concerns about records access and his daughter's educational services; Manners said parents should be able to access records and protections even when they cannot afford legal counsel.
Board members thanked the speakers and moved on to the action agenda; the board did not announce a formal investigation or specific follow-up at the meeting record.