Today's Pioneer Press Reports that
 
St. Paul Public Schools / 17 apply for board seat; legality of 1 is in doubt
Doug Belden
Saint Paul Pioneer Press  5/14/2007
 
 
In the Article, Somali Activist Omar Jamal, a 5-Time Convicted Felon (under appeal), and unregistered voter seeks to have the requirements waived in order to be eligible to fill the vacancy.
 
The School Board's attorney is apparently looking into whether or not Mr. Jamal's application is valid.
 
If Mr. Jamal's application is invalid, the simple answer for him would be to withdraw form consideration, not seek waivers.  We have laws and policies that exist for good and sound reasons, especially for those that govern a body such as the School Board.  The honorable thing would be to withdraw, and properly acknowledge the laws and policies of our society.  They are not designed to keep anyone out of participation, they are designed to protect the integrity of the institution for which they govern.
 
Sure Mr. Jamal may have some insight that would be valuable for the School District, SPicy does not doubt this.  If Mr. Jamal did not do the research to determine his eligibility for the position, then he is unqualified to hold the office. If the Board has to change it's policies to consider Mr. Jamal, especially while there are so many other fine candidates, then they do not deserve to hold their positions either.
 
Why would the School Board consider changing policies? Fear of being called racist? Fear of Being called anti-immigrant?  If the policy exists that prevents Mr. Jamal from holding the seat, then thank him for his valuable input, and send him on his way with a "Thank you" letter for his interest and encourage his participation in other capacities.
 
If he is determined to be eligible under existing policies, SPicy wishes Mr. Jamal the best of luck amongst a pool of other qualified candidates.

 

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