Title 6 Complaint | Page 57

the new school only to be told repeatedly that her volunteer application had been lost.F It is just not parent advocates, but random citizens who feel unable to speak about what they see. An anonymous witness sought help after an altercation at the Water Department just today (July 29, 2015). According to the witness, they went to the Water Department to make a payment accompanied by an individual who is currently without water. In the parking lot they were appalled to see gallons of water flooding the street from the abandoned Walgreen’s building. Why, they wondered, would the commercial account not be turned off to prevent the waste of treated water, when so many people are in need? While taking photos, they were approached by individuals who demanded they delete the photos. The photos had already been sent. The witness states they were threatened with arrest, so they left the premises. Bottom line: In Michigan, many residents cannot seek redress or document unethical circumstances witnessed with one’s own eyes. In Detroit and other minority communities in the State, many people in positions of authority, black and white, are silent, or find themselves participating in retaliation under the Emergency Manager. Some most unlikely person’s provided helpful information, because they don’t agree with the actions of the Governor and his agents. Retaliation Felt by Teachers & School Groups In addition to parents being retaliated against, it has been ruled that teachers were retaliated against for their union activities. One black teacher was surprised when she realized that she had been written up and suspended for dialogue with the principal during a school management and union conference. The offense she committed as a union official was that she referenced preferring democracy and used the word “dictators” when referring to the Emergency Managers. That white principal who disciplined the union representative is now an Executive within the Governor’s EAA schools. He has no teaching certification. Retaliation is thought among many to be a requirement of upward mobility in Governor Snyder’s administration. The document below was made public by the victim on May 17, 2015; however the feeling of retaliation is still widespread. 55