BURTON TRUSTEES UNANIMOUSLY VOTE TO CENSURE COX

  

After spending more than two hours in executive session, Burton ISD trustees voted unanimously to censure Trustee Felton Cox at last (Monday) night’s meeting.

Cox will remain on the board, but, according to Board President Demetrius Colvin, he will have to “carefully review the code of ethics and conduct himself accordingly.”  Cox will also have to undergo sensitivity training.

Cox has since issued a formal apology regarding the racially charged comments he made towards Colvin several weeks ago.

The statement reads:

“I sincerely and publicly apologize to Demetrius Colvin regarding the racially offensive words I said in reference to him.  Although they were said when I was in a state of frustration, my intentions were not meant to be harmful or malicious.

“I had just made a phone call and got no answer, so I hung up the phone and laid it on the bar.  Apparently, the call never disconnected and went to voicemail and recorded this conversation in my home.

“Nevertheless, I take full responsibility for my actions.  I have tried to be as good of a man as I can be, but as all men, I fall.  I think highly of Mr. Colvin and seek his forgiveness, the forgiveness of the community, and of the school board.  I love this community and all of the students at Burton ISD, and I truly want and intend to continue to be of service to them.

“I realize at this point in my life that I will never be a perfect man, but I have learned from this mistake, and I have been changed by it.  In conclusion, I promise that I will remain objective in all matters regarding the school district, including the school board, its members, and its duties, but most importantly, our students.  Thank you.”

Colvin gave a statement on the matter Monday night, saying “I feel that our focus should be on what is in the best interest of all students and staff of Burton ISD.  I don’t care what color you are.  We should all try to get together and focus on what’s important: the kids.”

Colvin says he wants to hear from the community on recent events, so he is inviting the public to speak at next Monday’s meeting at 6:30 p.m.  The public will receive thirty minutes to speak, with three minutes for each speaker.  Those who come forward will have to sign paperwork prior to participating.

Protestors and picketers made their presence known at last (Monday) night’s meeting, gathering outside the Burton ISD Auditorium, where the meeting was moved.  Protestors condemned the words and actions of Cox, as well as Superintendent Dr. Edna Kennedy.

Also at last night’s board meeting, Board Vice President Jeff Harmel said that the board’s recent discussion with an attorney has now been made public knowledge, and anyone can go by Burton ISD’s central office to pick up a copy.

The board will meet again next Monday at 6:30 p.m.