Pubdate: Thu, 13 Nov 2003
Source: Post and Courier, The (Charleston, SC)
Copyright: 2003 Evening Post Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.charleston.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/567
Author: Terry Joyce, James Scott

SCHOOL RAID, SHOOTING RILE BLACK LEADERS

NAACP Official, City Councilwoman Say Principal, Police Chief Should Lose 
Their Jobs

Last week's drug raid at Stratford High School and the fatal shooting by 
North Charleston police of a suspected shoplifter have raised calls from 
black community leaders that those in charge either step down or be fired.

At a news conference Wednesday at North Charleston City Hall, James 
Gallman, head of the state's NAACP, said the Berkeley County School Board 
"should take a close look" at Stratford High School Principal George 
McCrackin "and he should be dismissed."

At issue is whether McCrackin was at fault for letting police enter the 
school with guns drawn. Gallman said police apparently targeted an area in 
the school frequented predominantly by black students who ride school buses 
rather than a section where students, most of them white, enter after 
arriving in personal vehicles.

Gallman called for McCrackin's dismissal after reading a statement urging 
the school board to consider "actions of a principal who capriciously and 
arbitrarily condones the disruption of school and the endangerment of a 
portion of the school population."

McCrackin didn't return a call to his office Wednesday, and district 
spokeswoman Pam Bailey said he had been instructed to divert calls from the 
media to her office. She said McCrackin knew in advance about the drug 
sweep but didn't know police would enter with guns drawn.

"He was expecting police and dogs," Bailey said, "but not police with guns 
drawn. He wouldn't have approved of guns drawn had he known of it in advance."

State Rep. Shirley Hinson said she supports the district and applauded 
officials for backing McCrackin.

"I do know George McCrackin would not have approved of the manner the drug 
search was held," she said. "He would not authorize students to be 
traumatized to that degree ... But once (police) come in, it's their show."

Hinson, whose son graduated from Stratford High, and other legislators from 
Berkeley County met with school board members Wednesday at Goose Creek 
Primary for their usual pre-session get-together. The legislative session 
resumes in January.

"I have no problem with the police going in. I do have concerns on why 
weapons were drawn," Rep. David Umphlett said.

He, Hinson and Sen. Bill Mescher declined to criticize the police, saying 
they would reserve judgment until the State Law Enforcement Division 
finishes its investigation.

"We have so much mud slung at us, we're unwilling to sling it at others," 
Mescher said.

"I'm not fully versed on both sides," added Rep. Tom Dantzler. "I'm sure TV 
has shown the very worst shots."

In North Charleston, city Councilwoman Dorothy Williams called for police 
Chief Jon Zumalt to step down. Williams, who arrived at the scene shortly 
after Asberry Wylder was killed Friday, said she does not trust SLED to 
investigate.

"I am 100 percent in support of our police department, but I can't support 
the department on this case," said Williams, adding that Zumalt's 
denouncement of witness statements was out of line.

"Zumalt needs to resign," she said.

Zumalt has called accounts from witnesses "a fabrication," saying people 
pushing the story that Wylder was shot a second time while handcuffed were 
either confused or lying.

City Councilman Sam Hart, who also attended Wednesday's news conference, 
didn't call for Zumalt's badge but did say the chief was wrong to say 
witnesses had lied.

"The chief's statements were inappropriate and premature," he said.

Zumalt declined to comment.

Sandra Senn, a lawyer representing North Charleston police, said she is 
confident the facts will show officers acted properly.

"All police shootings get blown out of proportion initially in the press, 
but when the dust settles, it usually becomes clear why the officers were 
forced to shoot," she said.

Gallman said the state's National Association for the Advancement of 
Colored People supports North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey's call for the 
U.S. Justice Department to investigate "so there will be no unanswered 
questions."

The news conference was followed by a community meeting at a North 
Charleston church. About 100 people, including some local and state elected 
officials, attended and talked about concerns over the shooting in North 
Charleston and the drug raid at Stratford High.

Some were angry; others urged patience.

"I just hope everybody does the right thing. I don't think anybody should 
jump to conclusions," said Benjamin Washington, first vice president of the 
North Charleston branch of the NAACP.

Glenn Smith and Seanna Adcox of The Post and Courier Staff contributed to 
this report.
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