NAACP files complaint against Rock Hill district

Published 12:00 am Monday, May 5, 2003

A Lawrence County couple has filed a complaint against the Rock Hill School District, alleging that their adopted children are being discriminated against because the children are black. Brent and Amanda Unroe's complaint has been filed through the Columbus branch of the NAACP.

Brent Unroe, who was terminated as a special education teacher in the district earlier this year, also alleges in his termination is the result of this discrimination.

In a letter to school superintendent Lloyd Evans, NAACP first vice-president Asad Shabazz requested a meeting with school officials to resolve the matter.

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Amanda Unroe said a 7-year-old boy she and her husband are in the process of adopting experienced harassment the first day he rode the school bus home from school. Unroe also said that two of her children have been put into special needs classes, and she said she has been told they would never be

mainstreamed, even though she said she feels they have made progress and should be considered for some regular classes. Unroe said she has requested numerous times to meet with Evans about these matters, but he has refused.

Evans disputed Unroe's claims.

"There is no basis for a complaint of that nature whatsoever," Evans said. "This is totally ridiculous. It is totally made up, and there has been no discrimination."

In regards to Brent Unroe's termination, Evans said he was let go because he allegedly mishandled a student and insubordination.

"This had nothing to do with his kids," Evans said. "It was his handling of other kids."

Evans said he has not been contacted by the NAACP, but was aware the Unroes had contacted that organization. Evans said he is willing to meet "anytime" with the NAACP to discuss the situation.