Georgia Mother Dragged from School Board Meeting After Shouting One Word

Lena Kotler, a mother, was dragged out of a Board of Education meeting for City Schools of Decatur, Georgia, after she shouted one word out of turn during consideration of changed to diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

Board Chair Carmen Sulton asking her to leave after she shouted “Cowards!” at the board.

Kotler responded, “I said one word, I have already stated I have no intention of speaking again until public comment. I’m going to sit here, I have offered that if it makes the board feel comfortable you as a security employee are welcome to sit next to me. If I speak again outside of public comment, I will leave. I have the right to be here, I have not used harsh language or threats.”

Four police officers then forcibly took her out of her seat and dragged her out of the room. While they were doing this, Kotler said, “I’m practicing my rights as a parent. I’m in no way resisting. I’m not resisting and this is what fascists do!” The officers dumped her at the stairs outside the room.

The board rescinded the equity policy, removing its promise that the district would “provide an inclusive and emotionally supportive environment, free from discrimination.” The board removed from its “Theory of Action” a clause that “all learning environments must be inclusive, safe, secure, and supportive while also ensuring that no student group is marginalized.” From three other policies, it removed mention of “equity” and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Of Kotler’s three children, one is autistic and one is a transgender girl. After the meeting, she said, “It’s beyond evil that anyone is threatening these programs. Our children spend a huge chunk of their lives at school, where they develop their sense of self and self-worth. If we stop programs and policies that make those spaces inclusive and safe for everyone, we know what happens.”

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