Lawmaker says ‘someone needs to be fired’ over letter sent to school parents
Rep. Antonio Parkinson speaks at a press conference at the state Capitol in April. On Thursday, the Memphis Democrat criticized the state Education Department's guidance to school districts for informing parents that certain student groups in their schools are underperforming. (Marta W. Aldrich/Chalkbeat)
Chalkbeat Tennessee
Marta W. Aldrich
Marta W. Aldrich is the senior statehouse correspondent at Chalkbeat Tennessee. A newswoman for The Associated Press for most of her career, Marta has covered state government, politics, business, education and other Tennessee news. She has served as news editor of United Methodist News Service and features editor of American Profile magazine. Marta is a graduate of Memphis City Schools and the University of Missouri School of Journalism.
Rep. Antonio Parkinson of Memphis blasted the Education Department’s handling of the communication, which he worried could contribute to a climate of racial stereotyping, bullying, or low self-esteem for some students.
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