SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — The New Hanover County Schools Board of Education meetings have drawn in multitudes of people and even protests throughout 2021. People flocked to meetings to speak out on a litany of hot-button topics — masking protocols, critical race theory, transgender athlete rights, sexual abuse cases, suspensions, etc.
In July, as the board opened the meeting for the first time since Covid-19 limited in-person attendance, 170 people packed the room, most dropping their face coverings despite being asked to remain masked. Many spoke out of turn, heckled board members, tried to hand off their allotted speaking time to others, and laid the foundation for a contentious meeting.
“This is not a battle zone,” vice chair Nelson Beaulieu said earlier in the night, as the atmosphere was beginning to turn ugly. “This is a board of education meeting.”
The meeting was stopped early, without the board addressing agenda items, and rescheduled to a later date.
Read the full story below:
Have tips? Email info@portcitydaily.com
