ATLANTA (April 20, 2011) – Sen. Vincent Fort (D-Atlanta) made the following statement today regarding Governor Nathan Deal signing the Atlanta School Board bill:
“I am disappointed that the governor signed Senate Bill 79 into law. I believe the bill is legally tenuous in two ways. First, it violates the Voting Rights Act by nullifying tens of thousands of minority votes, and second, its retroactive nature has serious constitutional flaws. The accreditation agency said if board members are removed and new ones are appointed, they will restart the clock on Atlanta Public Schools’ probation. Instead of helping, SB 79 aggravates Atlanta Public Schools’ accreditation status.
“Additionally, the governor reneged on his commitment to maintain contact with Atlanta legislators. After only meeting once in January, the governor hasn’t communicated with most Atlanta legislators since.”
STATEMENT
For Immediate Release:
April 20, 2011
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Director
Kallarin Richards, Deputy Director
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028