Constance Every, Calvin Taylor Skinner Gavin Guinn, Kevin Andrews, Mary Winter, Carrie Hopper and Aaron Valentine were arrested for protesting in the Knox County Commission meeting this evening.
In typical over reacting form, the Knox Sheriff officers and Public Building Authority security kicked out UTK students that had made comments on the 287g program. A separate issue on tonight’s agenda. So the students were not present when commissioners discussed 287g later in the meeting.
Now back to the demonstration and arrest, Channel 6 news posted a picture of a new notice posted on the doors into the Main Assembly Room where Commission meet. It was posted AFTER the arrests. Correction, I have been told the notice was posted before the protestors, so I have stricken the sentence to correct the story
The last item on the agenda was Knox County School Security. Somewhat in reaction to the death of Anthony Thompson, Jr.
First, Commissioner Jay took Knox County Schools to task about lack of security at school comparing it to the heavy security at a Knoxville Ice Bears hockey game. This is the Commissioner that I heard answer a radio talk show program in the past that his own children are NOT Knox County School students.
Then Commissioners Charles Busler of Powell and Carson Dailey of South Knox County talked about how society has changed. In my opinion, they simply don’t get it.
Dailey talked about all the entrances at his South Knox Schools. What he doesn’t understand is they are not all accessible. South Doyle ain’t Austin East (the school where 5 youth have been murdered in 2021)
Commissioner Justin Biggs said it best when he said we can not hope and pray our way out, what works at Austin East is what needs to be done. Finally, Dr. Dasha Lundy talked about what has not been going on in East Knoxville for years.
The 7 people arrested are a voice of the anger in East Knoxville and the Commission Chairman scolding them for not signing up three weeks ago, two weeks before Anthony died is an indication, that the Chairman still doesn’t get it.
