The anatomy of the WASD Anti-Racism Board Resolution – Part V

The anatomy of the WASD Anti-Racism Board Resolution – Part V of V

By: Todd Bartley

News@TalkWilliamsport.com

Editor’s note: A Facebook post and video published by Matthew Lake have been included for full timeline context.

In what can only be characterized as a race to finish first in local wokeness; the following is the first in a series dedicated to uncovering the deliberations which occurred within the Williamsport Area School District school board members and administration in the days leading up to the release of the “Anti-Racism Resolution.”

The exclusive information contained in these reports was garnered through the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law from the Williamsport Area School District by TalkWilliamsport.com.

From the unredacted information obtained by Talkwilliamsport.com; WASD board member Jennifer Lake first broached the topic with fellow board members and WASD Superintendent Timothy Bowers on June 11, 2020.

What follows are the deliberations in chronological order and the parties noted in their own words.

Editor’s Note: “Greg” is Greg Hayes, Director of Public Relations/WASD Education Foundation

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As “The anatomy of the WASD Anti-Racism Board Resolution – Part IV” concluded and asked; what if the entire WASD Anti-racism Resolution was in fact politically motivated?

This would fly in the face of the assertion Jennifer Lake made in her initial email on June 11, 2020 when she said:

“This isn’t political.

This isn’t in support of or against Black Lives Matter.

This is about our student population and doing our part to respond to the hurt.”

What if the premise of “This isn’t political” was in fact demonstrably false?

What if there was a photographic and documented online timeline to prove it was false?

Upon review of the following case you as the reader get to make that determination.

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First Church Lead Pastor Matthew Lake (husband of Jennifer Lake) posted on Monday, June 15, 2020 on his personal Facebook page:

A screen grab of the opening scene shows Matthew Lake and Mayor Slaughter with less than 6 feet of social distancing and lack of masks for both men.

Did both then have to quarantine for 14 days out of an abundance of caution for failing to adhere to state mandated guidance on both topics?

Mayor Slaughter appeared at a “peaceful protest” held outside earlier in 2020 with a mask. He also recently welcomed his third child into the world.

On Tuesday, June 23, 2020 the Williamsport Area School Board unanimously approved an Anti-Racism Resolution articulated in Part IV of this series.

On Thursday, June 25, 2020 a Facebook Group was launched called “Racism Has No Home” as it appears in this photo:

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Two days later, a similar page appeared On Saturday, June 27, 2020 called “Racism Has No Home in Lycoming County, PA” as it appears in this photo:

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Amy Bolt, takes a leading role on both pages and in both groups by visiting former Williamsport Area School District teacher and current Mayor of Williamsport, Derek Slaughter.

The photo posted below on June 29,2020 shows Slaughter holding a “Racism Has No Home Here” sign.

The caption reads; “The Mayor of Williamsport agrees! “Racism Has NO Home Here!”

Amy Bolt, the same day, then posts a photo of her husband Williamsport Bureau of Police Agent and former WASD school resource officer (Jason) Bolt, along with Mayor of Williamsport, Derek Slaughter and Williamsport Bureau of Police Chief Damon Hagan.

The caption reads; “Agent Bolt (heart emoji), the Mayor, and Chief Hagan.”

“#racismhasnohomehere”

 

 

Rhetorical questions: Does the Williamsport Bureau of Police have a policy on political speech or endorsing political movements while on the job?

Or do the taxpayers of Williamsport get to have that question answered with another federal lawsuit based on First Amendment protections for police officers in their “official capacities.”

Under the PA Right to Know Law, do school resource officers phone records and emails belong to the school district, the police department they work for, or both?

Amy Bolt, was not finished yet, the next photo is that of a Racism Has No Home Here” sign on the front windshield of a Williamsport Bureau of Police car (photo below).

“Got the AOK from the Chief and Mayor for this pic! Moving forward together.”

Rhetorical question: Are the taxpayers of Williamsport funding the tacit endorsement of a political movement they were not given the opportunity to vote for or to weigh in on?

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Barely a week after the ink was dry on the WASD Anti-Racism Board Resolution; the first public indication of the coordination between WASD school board member Jennifer Lake, Amy Bolt and the “Racism Has No Home Here” Facebook pages and group becomes apparent.

July 1, 2020, Amy Bolt posts on the “Racism Has No Home” Facebook page: “Show Jennifer Lake some love! She just put in an order for 210 more signs! We’re gonna show everyone who lives in or visits Williamsport that we are united in our hatred of racism! P.S. please don’t ask her for a sign if you haven’t already ordered through her. She deserves a break! Great job, Jenn!” 

Is it plausible, this is why Jennifer Lake was pressing WASD Superintendent, Dr. Tim Bowers about getting the WASD Anti-Racism Board Resolution on the website by Thursday?

Had Jennifer Lake already begun placing “Racism Has No Home Here” sign orders?

Is it plausible, the signs would being popping up after the WASD Anti-Racism Board Resolution was published on the WASD website prior to the WASD board meeting?

Is it plausible, Bowers was slowing Jennifer Lake down?

Is it plausible, other WASD board members who chided Bowers for even questioning their wisdom of crafting the language and sending it back to PSBA for a final review were also slowing Jennifer Lake down?

How dare Dr. Bowers even consider it and not mindlessly heed the advice of the woke mob.

Amy Bolt posts a photo on the same day of a “Racism Has No Home Here” sign in Bruce E, Henry Park in Loyalsock Township.

Rhetorical question: Are the taxpayers of Loyalsock Township funding a park where a tacit endorsement of a political movement they were not given the opportunity to vote for or to weigh in on?

Is there an ordinance or local code prohibiting such political displays?

Remember, Jennifer Lake said about the proposed “WASD Anti-Racism Board Resolution” in her initial email on June 11, 2020: “This isn’t political. This isn’t in support of or against Black Lives Matter. This is about our student population and doing our part to respond to the hurt.”

 

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Morgan Williams posts a photo of on July 2, 2020 of a “Racism Has No Home Here” sign in front of Thaddeus Stevens Primary School.

Can anyone put a sign in front of a school; let’s say a religious symbol or any issue they feel strongly about or what about a political candidate?

No, why not?

Jennifer Lake seems to think it is acceptable.

Were the taxpayers in the WASD given the opportunity to vote on placing these signs?

Are there policies and procedures in place in the WASD to prohibit such signage and messages?

Remember, Jennifer Lake said on June 11, 2020: “This isn’t political.

 

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As the “Racism Has No Home Here” signs began to blossom like dandelions on high octane fertilizer throughout the summer; out of left field Little League International offered there perspective.

On July 6, 2020, PennLive.com published; “Little League voices support for Black Lives Matter, showing new willingness to speak on social justice issues”

From the article, “Throughout its history, Little League has not tolerated discrimination but has always remained quiet and in the background on social justice issues, CEO Stephen D. Keener said.

Now, Little League felt it was time to be a little louder, he said.”

Hugh E. Tanner, chairman of Little League International’s board of directors, recently sent a letter to district and league volunteers.

Tanner cited the millions who have come together to support Black Lives Matter after the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor.

“Little League International stands with them,” Tanner wrote. “There is no place for racism and hate in this world and that certainly includes on Little League fields in every community.

“Little League International believes in the power of youth baseball and softball to build stronger individuals and communities.

“We cannot live this mission by staying silent during this tumultuous time and in the wake of the meaningful and peaceful protests, of unconscionable police brutality, happening on the streets in countless communities.

“These are our communities, where Little League welcomes families and kids to feel safe, connected, and included. Anything less is unacceptable.”

“Kids aren’t born to hate,” Keener said.

“They learn that from their environment, their parents, from the people they are around.”

“We’re not going to be afraid to use our voice if we think it is appropriate”

within the context of the Little League program, Keener said.

Little League has also refused comment on numerous occasions when asked about employees and uncles (World Series team hosts) involvement in the WAHS baseball team “criminal sexual misconduct” incident occurring in March 2018 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

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Bill Emery made sure to post on September 21, 2020 the three “Racism Has No Home Here” signs on display in the WASD at Lycoming Valley Intermediate School.

Remember, Jennifer Lake said on June 11, 2020: “This isn’t political.

 

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Any doubts any reasonable person had the “WASD Anti-Racism Board Resolution” and the subsequent “Racism Has No Home Here” movement were not a coordinated effort and political from the start went out the window the first week of November 2020.

A short trip down memory lane and a re-post of the Mayor of Williamsport photo from June 29, 2020; this time on November 1, 2020.

The caption reads: “The Williamsport Mayor wants racism to lose its home.”

#RacismHasNoHomeHere” 

Did Mayor Slaughter actually say that to the “Racism Has No Home” page administrators?

Or was it just a national Democrat talking point going into a Presidential election?

That answer in just a moment.

Think back, Jennifer Lake in her initial email on June 11, 2020: “This isn’t political. This isn’t in support of or against Black Lives Matter. This is about our student population and doing our part to respond to the hurt.”

 

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IT WAS ALWAYS POLITICAL

On election day 2020, “Racism Has No Home” Facebook page posted the following photo and captions.

The captions read:

“Racism does not belong in this home.”

“#Vote     #WhiteHouse     #RacismHasNoHomeHere” 

Were the taxpayers in the Williamsport Area School District brought into a national fight they never signed up for by a registered Democrat school board member attempting to make a name for herself in the party?

Could it be the “Vote Trump 2020” sign in the local paper Lake cited to Dr. Bowers in her initial email on June 11, 2020 that kicked this entire charade off?

Could it be the very “student population and doing our part to respond to the hurt”; Lake cited to Dr. Bowers in her initial email on June 11, 2020 being used as pawns in an elaborate game of social climbing?

How could either of those be true?

I forgot, Jennifer Lake said; “This isn’t political.”

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THE PR MACHINE KICKS IN

Nothing says woke mob like getting your photo and a story in the paper for being part of a racial injustice crisis you had nothing to do with; miles and states away but taking advantage of it none the less.

Amy Bolt, posts in the “Racism Has No Home” Facebook page on December 26, 2020.

“Friends!!! WE are one of the finalists for the Williamsport Sun-Gazette’s 2020 person of the year. We ALL have so much to be proud of! When I say WE, I mean each and every last one of you! We are being heard! (obligatory heart emoji)”

Curious if the folks at the Sun-Gazette were aware of the disdain Jennifer Lake has for them and that 2020 graduation photo referencing Donald Trump.

For a woke virtue signaling mob, where is the social distancing?

Masks anyone?

This article will be revisited at the conclusion of this story and series.

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Amy Bolt, posts in the “Racism Has No Home” Facebook page on January 18, 2021.

“How did you spread the love and remember the influences of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Maybe you were a light in the darkness for someone who needed you or perhaps you spoke up about something that was wrong.” 

Jennifer Lake, fellow WASD board member Adam Welteroth is still waiting for that second to his motion to look into the handling of the 2018 Myrtle Beach incident.

Still silent on that topic?

Must be too busy ending all that racism and telling every one it has no home here.

 

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THE ENDGAME OF “RACISM HAS NO HOME HERE” MOVEMENT REVEALED

With no author attributed, a post appears on the “Racism Has No Home” Facebook page on January 20, 2021; a photo of newly sworn in President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris from a previous campaign event, both like Jennifer Lake are registered Democrats.

“To four years of change, progress, and unity.

#RacismHasNoHomeHere   #inaugurationday2021

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The founder of the “Racism Has No Home” movement was posted to their Facebook page on January 27, 2021.

“Our founder, Jen Schatzman (college roommate of Tyra Crews) sat down with (New York) Assemblywoman, Taylor Darling, to talk about our mission, why it matters, and how to get involved! Watch it.” (YouTube link) #RacismHasNoHomeHere  

Must have missed something, I could have sworn Jennifer Lake said in her initial email on June 11, 2020,

“This isn’t political.”

 

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For my closing argument, allow us to revisit the article from the local newspaper.

The Williamsport Sun-Gazette, maligned by Jennifer Lake and fellow WASD board members for running a photo of the 2020 WAHS graduation as noted in “The anatomy of the WASD Anti-Racism Board Resolution – Part I of V“; published “Patrice Blenman, Amy Bolt and friends: Rallying communities against racism” on December 26, 2020.

Editor’s Note: Was Jennifer Lake even more furious at the paper for not giving her top billing in the story?

Was the newspaper oblivious to the disdain Lake and others had for their staff when this article was published?

Editor’s note: Amy Bolt is the wife of recently promoted to Captain of the Williamsport Bureau of Police, Jason Bolt. He is a 16-year veteran of the WBP, according to NCPA.com “Bolt served in patrol and as a school resource officer for nearly a decade. More recently he has served as an agent, and then as a lieutenant for approximately four months on the Bureau’s nightwatch. Bolt has also served as a part time Task Force officer with the FBI.”

Jason Bolt served as a school resource officer for nearly a decade in the Williamsport Area School District.

From the Sun-Gazette article: “The efforts of Tyra Crews and Amy Bolt, area school teachers, alongside their friends, Jennifer Schatzman, Jennifer Lake and many, many others, have helped bring the community together through facilitating and bringing “Racism Has No Home Here” signs around the county — in front of churches, 50 signs around Lycoming College and in your neighbors’ front yards.”

“Crews bought 10 signs from her friend and marched with them in the city’s own marches and protests. She decided to sell them to help her roommate’s fundraiser for her area’s NAACP fundraiser when Bolt and Lake took it upon themselves to facilitate the selling of signs through a dedicated Facebook page, to help distribute them, especially to bring the community together and stand in solidarity against racism.”

“This is important work,” Jennifer Lake, sign distributor, organizer and supporter, said. 

“I do it for my children, we do it for our children.

Someday, years from now when we look back at this time,

I want to feel really good about what side of this issue I am on.”

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Only time and history will be the judge of the words and stances taken by Jennifer Lake and others cited in this series.

Will the anti-racism resolution stand as a resounding success?

Or, will the anti-racism resolution stand as a haunting reminder of colossal failure for generations to come?

These and so many other questions surrounding the Williamsport Area School District and how it operates; will be answered soon enough.

Stay Tuned.

 

This concludes the series “The anatomy of the WASD Anti-Racism Board Resolution” – a news series “The fallout…” is in development.

 

Previous article links:

The anatomy of the WASD Anti-Racism Board Resolution – Part I

The anatomy of the WASD Anti-Racism Board Resolution – Part II

The anatomy of the WASD Anti-Racism Board Resolution – Part III

The anatomy of the WASD Anti-Racism Board Resolution – Part IV

The anatomy of the WASD Anti-Racism Board Resolution – Part V