REDWOOD PODIATRY GROUP welcomes Dr. Joseph Breen beginning January 6th.
ACLU of Northern California, says the isrounded by a paper trail that says different. sues extend beyond Eureka — that they’re She says she made at least 30 separate “a Humboldt County problem.” On the complaints to school administrators and same day it filed the lawsuit, the ACLU, met regularly with Zane’s principal and vice along with the National Center for Youth principal. “Brianna” is not her real name, Law and California nor is her daughter Indian Legal Services, named “Jessica.” The submitted a letter plaintiffs and their to the United States legal guardians have The notes document Department of Educabeen given pseudtion’s Office for Civil onyms in the lawsuit a year and a half of Rights asking for an to protect them from merciless bullying — investigation into retaliation — though Loleta Elementary Brianna says Jessica’s students calling Jessica School. The letter tormenters have been alleges discrimination calling her a “snitch” “nigger,” “hooker” and based on race and disfor months. ability as well as lopThe defendants “whore,” shoving her sided discipline and named in the suit head inside a locker, abuse, both physical include the district, and verbal, of Native its superintendent smearing her face with American kids. members of the Perhaps the worst district school board makeup and tripping her perpetrator of these and the principals crimes, according and vice principals in the hallway. to the letter, is the of both Zane Middle school’s principal/ School and Eureka superintendent, Sally High School. Hadden, who allegedly kicks students in “This is not a black or a white thing,” the butt, smacks them on the head with Brianna repeats. “It’s not about money. It’s a clipboard and once grabbed a Native not about anything other than change. American student by the ear and said, “See Make schools safe — free from humiliation how red it’s getting?” The letter was filed and intimidation. Make sure school is safe on behalf of the Wiyot Tribe and members for all kids: black, white, Mexican, Asian, of the tribal council of the Bear River Band Indian, it doesn’t matter. Girls, boys, gay, of the Rohnerville Rancheria. lesbian, it doesn’t matter. Make school a In response to the suit, Eureka City safe place.” Schools Superintendent Fred Van Vleck issued a press release declaring in no received the uncertain terms that the district does not call from a worried Eureka grandma, memtolerate harassment or intimidation. He bers of the group’s northern California said the district is actively investigating office in San Francisco but that “at this time drove up to see if we are not aware of discrimination was a evidence to support broader community the allegations.” “… at this time issue. “And we disIn a follow-up covered that it was,” phone call, Van Vleck we are not aware says Steele, managsaid the lawsuit of evidence to support ing attorney for the took the district by group. She and her surprise. “The parents the allegations.” colleagues arranged a never filed any formal community meetcomplaint against the — Fred Van Vleck, ing at the Boys and district or initiated Eureka City Schools Girls Club on J Street any formal complaint Superintendent in Eureka, notifying process to allow us an families through local opportunity to start community groups. working on some sort “When the tribes of resolution to this and my organization heard the ACLU was short of going through the lawsuit,” he said. Back in her kitchen, Brianna sits surcontinued on next page
Dr. Breen joins our office after dedicating over a decade to the Indian Health Service in northern Arizona. He brings with him a diverse and comprehensive skill set and will be a valuable addition to Redwood Podiatry Group. Schedule your appointment today by calling 441-1112.
REDWOOD PODIATRY GROUP
3258 Timber Fall Court, Eureka, CA 95503
13th Annual
Bridal Faire
Sunday, January 12, 2014 1-4pm at the River Lodge Conference Center $10 per person at the door. Hosted by the Fortuna River Lodge. The River Lodge has invited Gift Registries, Photographers, Florists, Caterers, Bakeries, Coordinators, Travel, Formal Wear, Beauty & more! Four GRAND Prizes and 35 other amazing prizes will be given away!
RIVER LODGE CONFERENCE CENTER 1800 RIVERWALK DRIVE FORTUNA CA, 95540 • 707-725-7572 • FRIENDLYFORTUNA.COM
After the ACLU
northcoastjournal.com • NORTH COAST JOURNAL • THURSDAY, JAN. 2, 2014
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