Indian charter school president defends remarks

Wednesday, May 9, 2007  

The president of the American Indian Public Charter School in Oakland, California, is being criticized for his overly frank language.

Ben Chavis, who is Lumbee, has been hailed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) and the Bush administration. But students at a nearby college say he made outrageous racial and sexual remarks when they visited the middle school.

Chavis admitted to talking about race and sexuality in an open, and sometimes profane, manner. But supporters say it's acceptable since Chavis is Indian and African-American.

At one point, Indian students made up 65 percent of the student body. But as the school's popularity has grown, only about 13 percent are Indian. The school has reported some record high test scores.

Get the Story:
Too Hot for School? (The East Bay Express 5/9)

$rl American Indian Public Charter School - http://www.aipcs.org