HATE CRIME COVER UP @ ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL, TOLEDO, OHIO

...don't post in all caps...It makes it very difficult to read.

Question: what law did this violate? I think the behavior, if portrayed accurately, is atrocious...but in order for charges to be filed, there must a law on the books - and I'm curious which law it was that was broken? Do you have a TMC or ORC section code?

I think whatever statute the Hate Crime is listed under. I had heard about this happening but I thought it was just a rumor.

I also read on CNN news where this type of behavior is on the rise (hanging nooses) and they are trying to ascertain if the behavior is increasing since Jena 6 or if it is better reported.

All caps is shouting - and hard to read for most people. If this indeed occurred, it is an atrocity & the teachers should be fired. I also think that any school employee who witnessed this, and denied it happened, or did not speak up or come forward, should at the least, be suspended with no pay - or fired. By saying nothing, they endorced the act. Seems to me, there's a wealth of people with degrees in education that are not racist who'd love their jobs. (That goes for black racists as well as white racists - and there's as many black racists as there are white racists.)

...I'm hearing that this did not occur ... further, there are several people and media outlets currently trying to get on-the-record comments so they can publish them...

IF this occurred as posted above, it most certainly is illegal behavior.

1. As noted above in several instances this violates the FEDERAL HATE CRIME 18 U.S.C.

In the words of Dr. Martin L. King Jr. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." With that being said, it is a tragedy that in 2007 we still have issues of hate fueled by the ignorance of racism. We cannot remain silent and pretend as if issues do not exist.

Furthermore, I would hope that the situation at Roger's High School is not true. I do know however that there is speculation within the community about what may have or what may not have occurred at Roger's.

I would suggest that the citizens of Toledo refrain from assuming anything concerning this matter, but that we seek out the FACTS concerning this. Furthermore, I submit to you that if and when those facts surface...the citizens of Toledo take a stand against any injustices and hate crime's that may have occurred.

Lastly I would say that there is a "Jena" in every city. In that...racism is alive and well even in 2007. In addition, all throughout the United States there have been hate crimes.

1) A Warren Township (outside of Chicago) High School student was charged with disorderly conduct for making "racially charged" statements to two female students, police said. The student drove into a campus parking lot with a noose hanging from his rearview mirror and a Confederate flag displayed in his vehicle, officials said. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-noose_bd_30sep30,1,6622691....

2)HEMPSTEAD, N.Y.

for now on people won't complain about what teachers make. Look at what they have to deal with. Teachers are way under paid to deal with this type of crap.

From the story that it WAS a teacher who did this?

...to Increase the Love Toledo.

How, exactly, do you know about this? You state that you're a parent. How do you know that the details you're presenting are factual?

I'm not accusing you of anything, so please don't get the wrong idea about my questions...I'm just curious...

I read notice of this incident on minglecity, it seems Michael Baiseden is source for what is going on in the black community. I feel sad that none of the students told their parents and that the parents did not unite and demand answers...it seems you are the lone soldier in this cover up. I don't understand the teacher's mindset, he would feel confortable enough bring a noose to school. What is going on?

Considering the abundance of cell phones with cameras in them I'm wondering why, if this did in fact occur, someone didn't snap a picture of it as proof?
I'm not saying that it didn't. I'm just saying that its kind of curious that there isn't a picture and/or video of it.

I agree. I hope and pray this is not a hoax

I thought they banned cell phones in schools in Toledo? If this is true, or at least at Rogers, I could see a kid getting in trouble for using one (even if he is right).

I remember similar things occuring at the Post Office. If you saw something that was not "kosher", and you took a picture (such as a "safety violation") you were subject to "discipline" for violating regulations. Either management, or the union (with management approval) could take pictures.

So maybe that is why the "responsible" kids aren't talking. Only someone willing to risk losing their scholarship might be willing to stand up. And who would believe some "bad" kid who makes a fuss?

If this happened, the noose had to have been used to intimidate people for it to be a hate crime. Simply having a noose is not a hate crime. It becomes a hate crime if, and only if, that noose is used to intimidate someone based on race, religion, color, or national origin.

In the absence of intimidation, displaying a noose to make a political statement would fall under freedom of speech much like wearing a swastika is protected under the first amendment.

So two questions need to be answered:
1. Did this actually happen?
2. Was there intimidation involved or was it used to make a statement?

From what I've read from all posters above, the point I made months ago is very valid. It is difficult to discuss racial issues. Its emotionally charged and when its over it seems to have polarized everybody. I don't know what the answer is, but I do know this. Showing respect for people goes a long way in building a good, sound community. Recently I visited a city about half the size of Toledo. The City was vibrant and a lot of good things were happening. Like any city it had its undercurrent. But, in speaking with many people I could tell this City was moving forward and although they had their problems with the local government and their school system, they had a very positive attitude. I say this. Lets all agree to respect everybody. At least once a day, do a good deed for a stranger. It could be something as simple as opening a door for someone or letting a person out of a driveway into traffic. I do that everyday and it makes me feel GREAT! When I feel GREAT I tend to make better choices and do better things. When I retire for the evening, I feel I have accomplished something, even if its nothing more than make someone else' life more pleasant. If this noose thing happened then justice must prevail. If it didn't, all this bickering will only inflame Toledo even more. Lets face it folks, a more positive force is needed in Toledo. Lets work together to find it.

WELL SAID [CPT.] James Kirk! INCREASE THE LOVE TOLEDO! NOBODY wants to FIGHT for EQUAL JUSTICE AND EQUAL RIGHTS EVERY SECOND OF EVERY DAY! But that's what this climate in TOLEDO makes Black African American do at ALL TIMES. NOBODY wants to FIGHT! NOBODY WAKES UP IN THE MORNING STATING 'I CAN'T WAIT TO FIGHT WITH SOMEONE TODAY.' NOBODY does that! Black African Americans must be on guard at all times because WE-GOOD PEOPLE- allow EVIL TO WIN. All it takes for chaos to prevail is for GOOD PEOPLE TO STAND BY [fearfully sometimes] AND DO NOTHING! CALL ON YOUR FAITH GOOD PEOPLE! CAST OUT THOSE DEMONS OF HATE AND FEARFULNESS INTO THE SEA AND STAND UP!

I didn't 'MAKE THIS UP OR ASSUME OR EXAGGERATE THE CIRCUMSTANCES.' I don't LIKE fighting. I've just gotten GREAT AT IT CAUSE I HAVE TO PRACTICE [whether I want or not] EVERY SINGLE SECOND OF EVERY SINGLE DAY, EVERY DAY IN TOLEDO! That's why GOOD PEOPLE/CORPORATIONS are leaving Toledo EVERYDAY! WE ARE KILLING OUR OWN CITY! WAKE UP GOOD PEOPLE! STAND UP GOOD PEOPLE!

COURAGE IS THE KEY...UNLOCK YOUR DOOR! STAND UP GOOD PEOPLE! FAITH THE SIZE OF A MUSTARD SEED CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS. Those of you who know me, when you see me, ask me for your MUSTARD SEED.

God Bless,
Increase The Love Toledo

LOUD NOISES!

I DON'T KNOW WHAT WE'RE YELLING ABOUT!

Occasional caps are good for emphasis. Entire diatribes in caps, not so much.

According to Mr. Foley this morning October 6, 2007 there has been no report taken or completed. Therefore it looks to me like no investigation has been done.

Somehing of this magnitude fact or fiction should be investigated and someone held accountable.

When I called Rogers High School yesterday I was told that an investigation was done by the principal, the police officer and Mr. Foley. I was also told that a student had posted the incident on my space, when I asked what had been done to the student. I was told that they did not know. I have the persons name that I spoke to. An investigation was done and there is no report? How can that be?

I don't know why this is coming up in bold as I did not write it in bold. So excuse the boldness!!

"White privilege is YELLING! OMGoodness, I feel faint. "

What the he*L is THAT supposed to mean? You've made some very disturbing statements, you claim something happened at rodgers, fine, but when someone questions you you mention the KKK? Well im OFFENDED by YOU! Equal rights are not special rights. You are the one making it into a black v white issue. If this acctually happened then its completly horrible, but unfortuantly no one has offered any PROOF. So i will withhold judgment on that, but please please stop insinuating that all of the white people in toledo are racist!

People are all up in arms about something that one person put out here who EVEN SHE doesnt know is true!!

"However, this did occur." she says on 10-08 13:20

But then 7 hrs later she says:

"I hope and pray this is not a hoax 10-08 20:57"

Now all white people in Toledo are racist over something whom the poster cant even say herself is a fact.

What a joke.

Two different people, two different posts.
One from Increasethelov and one from Libertynjustice.

Clearly there should be a public statement from Mr. Foley or someone.

Clearly when I spoke to the school yesterday I was told that the incident was investigated by the Principal, Police, and Foley. Today, Foley stated that there is no report. Something of this magnitude should have generated a paper trail, if not an all out time line of events.

...

why the new appreciation? Is it because I don't use caps?

Are you kidding me? Your entire story is a hoax which was proven as such by the numerous cameras in the school hallways. Maybe you should be more concerned with the

Da-HAMN!!

If it was proven a hoax by the cameras why is there no report stating that fact?

Apart from the fact that your diatribe seems to have digressed from a rant on a did-it-even-happen hate crime, to pedophilia in schools (a serious issue, nonetheless), I would suggest that if you lack concrete evidence for you accusations, you might at least use proper grammar to more clearly explain what seems to be a case completely lacking in fact. The fact that you use all caps makes me assume you wrote this in a ranting sort of conscious stream, which is what I hope accounts for the distracting grammar. I myself, am an African-American student. So don

Increase the love uses lies to try to increase the hate!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slander_and_libel

I do believe her original post does qualify!

I can't refute or claim that the incident happened but what I can do is state what I have learned. You stated "tarnish the name and reputation of an upstanding and respectable principal," what I see are the names and reputation of two teachers being tarnished who supposedly did this deed, not the principal. I would think that they would be up in arms. I know I would be. I would be calling for a retraction of all statements. And I would have a "cease and desist" order from some judge somewhere expedited immediately, like yesterday.

All Others:

If you read the post, Increase the Lov stated that "JUDGE KUHLMAN THINKS I NEED ANGER MANAGEMENT CLASSES! thereby letting you know that there has been some type of court action involving them.

Rogers High School is being recognized by the State of Ohio for making improvements for three years in a row in their academic standing. The person who began this blog says for us to "stand up good people"-- well, I am now doing that:
1. The (Admin Edit names removed innocent until proven guilty) are being slandered in this blog, and should feel free to bring civil suit against the person who started the tirade.
2. No noose was brought to Rogers on September 20, 2007.
3. The Jena 6 were honored by many students AND staff by wearing black on September 20th.
4. The Administration, along with appropriate Toledo Police Officers, did investigate the noose accusation. The new Rogers facility has security cameras every 20 feet or so, within the building and outside--and neither (Admin Edit names removed innocent until proven guilty) was seen carrying or wearing a noose-- Dan didn't even wear a necktie that day!
5. No one brought a report of wrong-doing to "Gary Wolfe" as mentioned int he first paragraph, as he isn't currently placed at Rogers. He was at Rogers, however, when a certain parent was on the property; a parent now convicted of assaulting the Principal. The interesting thing is that this conviction occurred within the past several weeks. (See the reference to Judge Kuhlman and anger management classes?)
6. The teaching staff of Rogers is quite a bit less than 168, closer to 100, plus support staff, and the teachers are not all caucasian, as asserted. (I could check, but I believe the ratio is 1:10.)
7. A maximum class size of 26 X 6 classes taught a day is 156 students per day, per teacher. 600-800 students are not locked out of classes. Students placed in in-school suspension receive due process, including parent notification, and even that maximum class size is 26.
8. When accusations were brought forward concerning the former dean and former priest, Dennis Gray, he was immediately removed from any position where he was in contact with students, and has since left the district. TPS DOES investigate accusations, and act upon those that have some credibility.
9. The law does not state that teachers must live in the city of Toledo.
10. I have moved back to NW Ohio after my college graduation, I like Toledo, I have chosen to teach in Toledo Public Schools, I am a God-respecting Christian and not a "demon" as you have referred to me. I do not get a "free ride" off of your tax dollars, as I work hard-- and I, like many Rogers teachers have received commendations by professional organizations, agencies, and corporations. I am an experienced teacher of over 20 years. The State of Ohio calls me a "highly qualified teacher."

On a personal note to the writer of this blog:
If you continue to think of me as a "demon," I will continue to pray for you. If you decide that I am NOT a "demon," I will still continue to pray for you. If you, however, continue to refer to me (being one of 'those teachers') as a "demon" and "evil" in a public format, I will join with the (Admin Edit names removed innocent until proven guilty) to bring an injunction against you.

"The collision of an idea with your sense of humanity, might, after careful reflection, result in the truth."

One more fact that may be of some importance:

On September 20, the day that many people showed support for the Jena 6, the Social Studies Teacher, (Admin Edit names removed innocent until proven guilty) WORE BLACK. I just thought that might be important.

"The collision of an idea with your sense of humanity, might, after careful reflection, result in the truth."

I hope to hell you serve some long time in jail for making all this drama regarding this teacher and Rogers HS. SHAME ON YOU!!!!

I would love to know who this dumb ass is? I hope the teacher files a law suit on him or her........

My son, who has Down Syndrome and attends Rogers as a Freshman, has never been happier at school. He is on the Freshman class student council. This school is awesome. He did learn about the Jena 6 events, but no mention of a noose. He is encouraged and enabled to attend any school event or inclusion class. It is the first time in 15 years I have not had to advocate for his inclusion, it has come naturally.

Perhaps it is because he is white!!!!!!!!! lol

Your anger does not become you.

On another note what Junior High did your son attend.

This week is Homecoming-- kids are participating in all sorts of activities centered around school spirit! The Senior Class came up with the idea of a "powder puff" football game, and the Administration has supported them, and we have a team from all four classes.

Juniors and Seniors have come forward to mentor Freshmen students. Special needs students are going to job sites, and learning how to work in the community in preparation of a life of independence and contributing to society.

Students from every class participated in college week-- just last week-- and we had representatives from colleges letting students know about their schools, career choices, and life planning. There are current Rogers students enrolled in "post-secondary options" and taking classes at the University of Toledo, Lourdes College, and Owens College as part of their high school curriculum.

Instead of our past turn-over rate, we have had a fairly stable administration for the last several years (previously, we had 6 different administrations in 11 years, primarily due to retirements and promotions). As a direct result of this stability, the teachers and administration are collaborating on educational reform-- curriculum allignment, interventions, teacher-student advisories, and tutoring.

And these are just a few of the "big" things that are happening. I'll think of a few more for tomorrow!

"The collision of an idea with your sense of humanity, might, after careful reflection, result in the truth."

We all keep talking about race relations and that's good if something positive is on the horizon. What I see from the blogs is angry people pointing their fingers and those who are insensitive to the plight of minorities digging in. Most of us want justice if an injustice has been committed. It is difficult for me to believe that a teacher would be so stupid to do something like what he is being accused of. What I decided to do as a result of reading the blogs was to zone out. So yesterday I decided to help two people who needed some special help. I obtained some clothing for a sixty year old man, riddled with high blood pressure, diabetes, polycystic kidney disease, an enlarged heart and is for the most part confined to a wheel chair because of bad joints in his hips and knees. I gave him a sweater, a sport coat, and five shirts. He thanked me, but his words weren't what warmed me. It was his smile and his body language that told me how grateful he felt. The other person was a man who cannot get a job because of his prison record. Even though its been over twenty years since he got out of prison he still can't get a decent job. I found a computer and gave it to him so that he can continue to make his own career. I wish all of you could have seen the happiness and joy he displayed. What's my point? The first man was a black man the second a white man. Isn't it wonderful how there is no color of the skin when there is joy and happiness coming through. Ninety-five percent of us are good wholesome people. The other 5% are assholes.

I was responding to Lisarenee's comment "I think there should be a public statement made by TPS, and the conflicting information on if there was an investigation or not cleared up."

It is amazing to me how you people read, think and respond.

No it does not matter on this thread. I wanted to know because of a situation I am working with at a school involving a child I am advocating for with Downs Syndrome.

I am sorry if I offended you in any way by asking this question. I knew your experiences would be a good resource for me if your son attended the school in which I am working with the other parent on.

Again excuse me for asking the question. I won't ask anymore questions of you that I think may be remotely offensive to you because I know that you are a great mother.

I knew people would not sit still if what the blogger wrote did not happen...and also if it did happen. People want the truth!!
At 10:00 this morning there is a protest to have charges dropped for the student that dropped a plate of cake,she was told to clean it up by security and apparently the security guard did not like the way it was done arrested her and broke her wrist. There was a student that captured it ALL on his phone, as a result he was arrested too, but it made it's way to the media. I believe with all my heart if this event occurred at Rogers there would have been proof other than what the blogger posted on a few sites.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFKxkeacLYs

Students Plan Walkout in Palmdale, CA

Next Protest:

When: Thursday, October 11, 2007

Time: 10:00 am

Where: North District Michael D. Ant-on-o-vich Antelope Valley Courthouse

Address: 42011 4th Street West Lancaster, CA 93534

Why: We demand that the Lancaster District Attorney's office drop all charges against the Palmdale 4!

what about the shooting of five people by Asa Coon age 14 in Cleveland, Ohio where Dr. Eugene Sanders is the superintendent?

I would think that would be more newsworthy than something happening in California.

How about forget about Asa Coon AND Eugene Sanders and you comment about THIS post where the woman flat out lied???

I was replying to libertynjustice about the incident in California.

This post is a lie - what is your opinion about it?

As of this writing no one has come forward to support the origional blogger. I also commented that I knew that others would want to the truth to come out. It just so happened I ran accross this story. I could not believe that not one student from Rogers would not have a phone with a camera to capture the incident nor would they tell a parent if what happened actually happened. I used what happened in Cali to show that these kids are smart enough to video and tell!!! I live in the Toledo are, not saying I am not concerned about what is happening elsewhere I was using that city as an example of kids stepping forward. I am not the enemy if it were true and not a hoax someone somewhere would have come forward

you worded that so nicely

The originator (instigator?) of this discussion, Increasethe LoveToledo, is quite possibly mentally ill. If I'm correct, then getting angry with him or her over his posts is about the same as becoming angry with someone for having a common cold. There's nothing that can be done except to begin treatment and ignore the symptoms as much as possible.

Of course, I may be wrong... But I don't think so!

Putting a mentally ill person in jail does not help, no more than jail would help someone with a bad case of the flu. Therapy and drugs can help. Psychologists help.

While I'm on the subject of help, my sincere congratulations to James Kirk for his kindness and generosity.

No one seems to be able to find any support for ITLT's accusations. No video, no witnesses, nothing. I don't believe the incident happened.

You know, Purnhrt, I read your posts and I'm beginning to feel sorry for you. All that hate you have is eating you alive, and you can't see what's happening to you. You're becoming a liability to the very people you're trying to help. Is that what you want?

Help me out, because I just heard about this today.
1. A poster whom some on here apparently know makes an unsubstantiated and virtually inconceivable claim against a TPS teacher. No evidence whatsoever has been produced to back it up.
2. Former Republican official, longtime TPS critic, (and Noe conduit) adds early remarks that would seem to be patronizing at the least, to an initial post that was out-and-out weird, and subsequent posts that were quite bizarre, and nearly paranoid.
3. Blog gets reposted on a number of sites drawing an inordinate amount of traffic.
4. Blog is on a Website owned by Republican school board candidate Chris Myers (one of the former "Three for Change"); a man who could have an obvious reason to highlight problems within the district in order to bolster claims that the district is in "chaos," etc., in order to facilitate his election.
5. Issue becomes the talk of Toledo, raising new questions about the ability of TPS to educate students, despite the fact that nearly all posters are raising serious and apparently well-founded concerns about the veracity of ANY of the accusations within.

My question is, why is this thing still up here? Why has the owner of the site chosen to let it remain? Out of a deep respect for First Amendment freedom of expression? Because he wants to see the initial poster humiliated? Or out of baser political motives?

The teacher in question is innocent until proven guilty, therefore the name has been removed from the allegations. Remember you are responsible for what you say and you better be sure what you say is correct because there can be serious consequences if you do not. Remember this is supposed to be a nice place to discuss the events and news of NW Ohio, and you can do that without being personal.

Thanks for replying! You make great points, and I apologize. I do still think that every negative blog about our city's schools (which I graduated from & am still proud of) makes it incrementally easier for some people to take advantage of a situation - and I don't mean to accuse YOU of that, even though in retrospect I see that is almost exactly how I wrote it. I hope you can see where I am coming from when I say that it could be construed this way.
BTW, registered GOP'er. We're on the same team. Glad to hear that the original name, which apparently must have been posted at some point, is no longer here. Props.
PS: Next morning reflection: I am a fool. I heard about this thing yesterday, got really angry and wrote. I'm sorry to everyone and I wish I could find out how to work my internet to remove my first post. I wrote under the influence of anger, and it came out just as badly and crazylike as the posts I complained about. Sorry again to all.

Today at Rogers we had a very interesting event-- the coronation recognition of the Homecoming Court. The US National Anthem was sung (quite beautifully) and the school alma mater (the best acapella duet rendition I have heard to date!) and each attendant for Homecoming court was introduced. Their parents were invited to lunch. The members of S.A.A.B. wore suits and volunteered as ushers. (Maybe I'll let you know later what is S.A.A.B. and the Daughters of Promise, and even F.I.R.S.T.)

This evening, the Powder Puff football game was played in the stadium, with many parents and students attending. The RHS Drum Line played from the stands, directed by student leaders. Boys from each of the four classes learned some cheers, and acted as cheerleaders for the game. The Senior Lady Rams won by decision, after the final quarter (and overtime) resulted in a 0-0 game!

Many thanks to the many teachers who volunteered their time for practices and the games, in support of the Rogers High School Students. And to the administrators who encouraged the students in putting this event together, and acted as coordinators and referees!

"The collision of an idea with your sense of humanity, might, after careful reflection, result in the truth."

This issue could have gone like the Salem witch hunt, but it didn't. Most of the bloggers on this sight, not all, took an open-minded approach and fairly analyzed the situation. Bloggers, commend yourselves. Toledo's got a few bad people. but has a whole lot of good ones.

So this never happened, verified by security footage? And maybe this person does need psychological intervention but I've seen a few instances where a lawsuit and a monetary judgment were obviously the goal.

One, a Pastor who had the police arrive at his house to arrest him for molesting a child during vacation Bible School. On the way out his wife, sobbing, said wait - what day did you say this happened? Turns out the man was not even in the city - he was meeting with his Bishop that day in another city.

But one day earlier or later - if those people had picked another day the man would have been ruined and the church would have had a hefty lawsuit.

That may be the case here. But these are very serious allegations, imo. Anyone who sports a 'noose' has to know how frightening and offensive that would be.

My name has been used twice in this post to justify actions and points of view by the poster and web master.

I have been brought into this by the poster to justify why the media would not be covering the alleged action by a Rogers

What's irritating is that if you read this post from top to bottom, the first thing you hear from everyone is outrage. If this teacher did it, there's no doubt about it, everyone wanted him ousted, fired, prosecuted, kept away from kids in particular and the public in general...

There was a lot of people thinking the whole thing smelled fishy right from the get-go as well...

THEN when it came out that the poster was a slanderer and a liar, the posters out here were even kind enough to give her the benefit of the doubt, by letting her slide with an 'insanity plea' for lack of a better phrase...

The one thing that bothers me tho is the one person who's so fast to cry hate crime, the one who's so fast to point out her percieved racist activity remains stonily silent after all the dust clears and we find out the truth.

Purnhate, you keep posting that there will never be an end to racism in this city until all parties sit down and have an honest discussion about the issue.

I'll tell you Twyla - that nothing will ever happen when you blatantly ignore things like this and refuse comment. It's demeaning to you and you now have zero credibility.

with this post except with you and Madjack. I did not post it, I don't know if it happened or not. I am not under any obligation to answer anything from you. You are a poster with the name of Billy. You are not my friend, my family or anyone in my immediate circle. You have attacked me for whatever reason and it does not bother me because I am secure in my knowledge of myself.

I make enemies when I speak for people who either can't, are afraid to or who do not know their rights. Why this is I don't know but I will continue to do that. I will use my knowledge and purpose for the betterment of mankind, but that starts with my people.

I am not afraid to speak the truth to power therefore I am not welcome in many places. I have pissed off the mayor, judges, caseworkers, probation officers, school officials and many many others, because I speak the truth. A lot of people don't want to hear the truth.

And I will say again until all parties sit down and have an open and honest discussion about race, Toledo will forever be a place that people leave from not a place that people go to.

Toledo is a powder keg just waiting for one little thing to set it off, remember October 15, 2005 and anyone who can't see that is living in a fantasy world. This post would not have garnered so much reaction if we lived in a city where these issues could be discussed openly and honestly and everyone was allowed to have an opportunity to express themselves and have a place at the table.

Again, whether it happened or not I don't know. I am inclined to believe that something did happen, whether in ignorance or just plain stupidity. AGAIN I STATE, I don't know if a noose was at Roger's High School or not. For me it has not been proven either way.

Having said all of that, you are not going to make me respond to you in the way in which you want it. As I said I don't know you but evidently you seem to know who you think I am, because if you knew me you would come "at" me in a different way, a more rational or humanistic way. The posts that you have written about me are just as damaging as you say the original poster's written words are to the teachers at Rogers High School.

Shhh....check your 'L' key.

I have pissed off the mayor, judges, caseworkers, probation officers, school officials and many many others,

Right. Making the people who can help you angry is always a good way to gain cooperation.

The reason you can't prove this incident didn't happen is the same reason the rest of the world is unable to prove it didn't happen: You can't prove a negative. What you'd have to do is prove it did happen. Which you've failed to do.

I suspect that you wish a white instructor at any school in Toledo would terrorize an African American child with a hangman's noose. That would go a long way towards vindicating all the hate and rage you have for people like me - non African Americans.

As a 'non-African' friend of Twila's - I can say that is not how she feels toward everyone. I don't dislike ALL white males either - but I'm predisposed to distrust them in a personal way. B/c of divorce etc. I'm aware of this - and that it is harder for a man to earn my trust than a woman.

Again - because of my own experience. So does this make me a racist? Or, sexist?

I DID NOT POST THE "HATE CRIME COVER UP" CAN YOU UNDERSTAND THAT!! I ALSO DID NOT TRY TO PROVE OR DISPROVE ANYTHING! CAN YOU READ.....I AM NOT- NOR HAVE I EVER BEEN INCREASETHELOVE!

SORRY MAGGIE ABOUT THE CAPS BUT...............

Actually MadJack I have no reason to hate you because I don't know you. You could very well be a good hearted person. How would I know?

By the same token you don't know me, so while you may want to convince the people who read Swamp Bubbles that I hate white people or non African Americans, you know nothing about me.

I don't hate anyone and to hate someone simply because of their race is just plain stupid and ignorant and stupid and ignorant I am not.

You're a limited purpose public figure? I didn't know that. Now I'm enlightened.

So... how's the pay? Any openings?

so while you may want to convince the people who read Swamp Bubbles that I hate white people

If I wanted to convince anyone of that, all I would need to do is let you keep writing. You're doing a much better job than I ever could.

what ever happened to this poster? She did what she intended to do, because she is ill. She negatively slamed on the Rogers HS staff, disrupted a persons humanity, caused humilliation, all to "pay back" the Rogers staff and administrator for her own bad choices.

your school is no better then any other school. you don't know everything that goes on at Rogers. A girl was sexually assulted at Rogers this morning and the good staff would not let her call her mother. Were you at Rogers today? Maybe you can help this student.

First, if this were true, no school would refuse a student from calling home, let alone the police. I was at Rogers for 4 hours today. Today was Homecoming and parade. Not one mention of it. With this other scandel and the lies already out in the community regarding Rogers, wouldnt you think the school would make sure to follow certain guidlines if it were true?

I cannot believe this site allows people to post questions without having accurate information, like how all this got started with the original post.

Where did you gather this from, anniversary911? If you shall make a post as insulting as this, you need to provide facts and proof. Otherwise, do not waste the readers time..........

Wait a second...Chris Myers owns this site?

You can tell how much I've been paying attention. lol

Today at Rogers was our Homecoming celebration-- despite losing our football game against Whitmer (44:21, I believe) we had a pep assembly, parade (lead by a police car and horseback riders), and a lot of participation from many Rogers students, parents, and the community. Despite the football game score, our Rams played hard, and with integrity. The young men kept their cool, as evidenced by a minimum of penalty calls. (Actually, I didn't hear any, but I am easily distracted by the large number of current and former students who came to the game.) The Homecoming King was A football player, represented by his mother in the ceremony at half time, and the Homecoming Queen was a tall, graceful young woman who is blossoming into her leadership abilities and perseverance.

To get back to my earlier listing on this blog, S.A.A.B. is a group who's acronym means the "Society of African-American Brothers" and is dedicated to training young men to walk beside another, and help each other reach their goals.

We have a similar group, the Daughters of Promise, who's goal is to bring young women together to support each other, and achieve excellence. (These are only a paraphrase of their goals, but the groups are real-- and reach out to students who are good peer examples as well as those having life conflicts.)

Rogers High School also sponsors with the TPS School, Toledo Technology Academy, and the Dana Corporation a F.I.R.S.T. robotics team. You can look it up on www.usfirst.org, and www. techfusion_279.com. We are in the midst of accepting applications for the team. We have been involved with Team #279 since 1999. Awards include a national title, several wins at regionals, robot design, sportsmanship, and safety. From this group at Rogers, several former members and Rogers graduates are studying engineering, heat/ventilation/cooling, equestrian management, facilities maintenance management, nursing, and culinary arts.

"The collision of an idea with your sense of humanity, might, after careful reflection, result in the truth."

S.A.A.B. stands for Student African American Brotherhood

but some things can't be hidden and they shouldn't be. I don't know anything about the teachers and the nooses. If that happened I don't know anything about it. But I do know that a sexual assault occurred yesterday and the student was not allowed to call her parents. The public and parents have a right to know what is going on in their school. But the schools hide things and then paint the people who are trying to bring changes as racist, not good advocates, liars and angry.

What happens at Roger good or bad has nothing to do with this site. I could just as easily report that 10 students were arrested at Scott yesterday (Friday) after the coronation.

I am not trying to bash Rogers I think that Rogers is no better or worst then any other TPS school. So maybe I am just bashing TPS in general. Before you jump on somebody and call them all kind of names and imply all kinds of things you should realize that things are occurring at every school that is not right.

How do you know this happened? Are you an employee? A student? A parent? THE parent?

How many mouth's are you from 'the horse'?

I know things are different these days, but when I went to school there were a bank of pay phones right in the hall. Most people never used them because of lack of privacy, plus that hall was too damn loud, but they were there.

Was this girl (I'm assuming it was a girl) physically restrained from calling her parents, or what?

Please do not take my questioning you in any way as casting doubt - only that this post is based on a foul lie, and that being the case, it'd be foolhardy not to ask some poignant questions, considering there's very little extra info accompanying your postings.

Rams go??

There are alot of postive thing about Rogers - but these claims need to be looked at. Every child deserves to be safe at school. I don't think anybody disagrees with that.

I checked on the assertion by "anniversary911" that a sexual assault occurred on Friday, and the closest thing that I could confirm was a disagreement between a boy and girl. I don't want to downplay any issues, but I do know that boy-girl stress is high right before major dances. (Our Homecoming dance was Saturday.)

In reference to the safety of the building, the Fire Marshall came in today, and pulled the fire alarm. This was not an announced drill. Students exited the building calmly and quickly. The fire crew also spent time reviewing the standards of the facility.

Rogers students with disabilities were invited to a "job fair" today at the Toledo Zoo. I would estimate somewhere around 50 students participated in this special event. Students spent the day at the Zoo. One of the key focuses in our special needs educational program is the transitioning of students with disabilities into the work force.

"The collision of an idea with your sense of humanity, might, after careful reflection, result in the truth."

I don't think the parents are in a mood for an employee at Roger's Rams "downplaying" what happened to their daughter on Friday. It certainly was not a boy-girl disagreement.

I think you need to check with your principal before you make anymore of those kinds of public statements representing Rogers.

On the day this original thread was posted, October 8th, I was told by Roger's Principal Tony Brashear that he "wanted to respond" when I contacted him and informed him about this post and actually sent him the cut and paste to the wording of the original post.

Today is October 15th, a week later. I have not received any email, phone call, etc., about the original claims made here. While I know more now because I did quite a bit of research, I know what I was told. I also know that Twila was given contradictory information as far as being told by one source an investigation was done and another that no investigation was done.

While it has been suggested to me that the TPS administration does not to respond to "internet postings" here or to me because I am "just a blogger", if promises are made, they should be kept and if conflicting information is given, it should be clarified. If TPS wants better communication and to present a more positive impression to the public, a huge part of that would be following through on promises made and some consistency...

As a ps, the three times I have called Rogers I have left a message after being told Mr. Brashear was "not available" when I give my name.

We don't remember days only moments...

redemption, atonement and forgiveness. Sometimes a large organization just needs to say we are sorry and ask for forgiveness and try to not let the situation, whatever it is, happen again, instead TPS would rather hide, lie, cover up and disparage the messenger.

This type of behavior usually happens to children because children can't vote.

And bad things just keep happening to children..............

Anniversary911- What I said was quite clear. I said that I DID NOT want to downplay it, but I could not find out more information-- having talked with more than one adult in a place to know, including the nurse. Our Principal, Tony Brashear, was in Columbus for both Thursday and Friday at an educational summit. Between that and Homecoming, I would say that it's also a good reason why "LisaRenee" could not reach him easily by phone. It's also highly probable, that the reason that the information was said to me as a "boy-girl disagreement" was a polite way of administration keeping the identity of the allegedly accused and allegedly abused in confidence, to protect the high school students who are probably minors, but not to belittle the event. Did you catch the number of "probablies"? I have made every effort to speak factually, straightforward, and non-evasively. When I checked on Monday, as I promised, I was told, positively, that the Principal on Monday dealt with the "boy-girl disagreement" (as it was said to me). I am certain that the parents are fully aware of what happened.

I, too, wish that we could protect each of our young people from everything bad that could happen in the world, and educate our children for every bit of knowledge and reasoning that they need, in order to be a successful and happy adult. Maybe a better purpose of this blog would be to find solutions that would work, and lead all school districts to achieve excellence.

"The collision of an idea with your sense of humanity, might, after careful reflection, result in the truth."

of things being covered up and lied about at Rogers. It is no better than any other school, regardless of what the cheerleaders (groupie, Teacher, Sandy etc.)say.

(admin edit) and staff are negligent in not handling this issue(nooses or not nooses) in a professional way. Looking back through my e-mails I received an e-mail concerning this matter September 23, 2007.

Increasethelove is not mentally ill or any of the other things she has been accused of being. She is a parent who has been extremely frustrated by actions that have been done to her and her children including arrests. She is not a person who fights with her hands but uses her mouth (much like myself) sometimes to her detriment.

If Increasethelove is not a mentally ill person, she certainly does a damn good job of impersonating one. Actually, she reminds me of blacjac687 on ToledoTalk. Yikes.

I don't always agree with your opinions, purnhrt, but at least I can follow what you're saying. lol

(And, FWIW, I thought you were a little unfairly jumped on in this particular thread. I thought you did a decent job of discussing issues that you are obviously passionate about while distancing yourself somewhat from the original poster.)

Well said Sara H.

I am not going to get into it with you as to whether or not increasethelove assaulted Mr. Brashear or not. We all know that justice ain't always just, but for you just remember O.J.

employee following this particular thread, but lets really KeepItReal, The principal at Rogers is a on a mission of damage control.

The Free Press is not a public institution, Roger's High School is. We trust that our children will be safe in a public institution. When something negative does happen and it gets out into the public, be open and honest about the situation. The public will accept honesty.

But when the negatives start outweighing the positives, that is when there is a need for damage control. Damage control should be used when building cars not children.

I am sure sorry to hear your story. Ignorance and hateful behavior know no physical characteristics. My heart goes out to you - it goes out to everyone who has been victimized by racism.