To the editor:

Almost a year ago, I published a letter requesting that the city’s leadership take a close look at the fact that the city’s schools are still segregated. I write again, hoping that this can (now) become a hot topic since the campaign season, and these crazy Selma Politics are in full effect.

I have since done my research, and have found out exactly why over 98 percent of students enrolled at Selma High School are black. Does the name “Dr. Russell” ring a bell?

After that attack launched against the city over a decade ago, the black/white ratio at that school went from 1:1 to 10:1. I was only in the 3rd grade then, but I do remember it being almost like the 60’s here. We had CNN; all the major news networks. Selma was making history then. Sadly, for the wrong reasons. Where has that whole ordeal gotten us? Over a decade later, what do we have to offer our students? Simple, if you are a white child, you get hustled off, out there to Meadowview or

Dallas County. If you are black, then you haven’t a choice: public schools. The product then is we are producing young adults with a grossly twisted view of the real world. The rude awakening comes when these students go into the real world, when one of these Meadowview graduates have to interact with a black boss, or when a Selma High graduate has to give a presentation in a room full of white faces. It’s not good, and it’s not healthy. I know this because I have experienced it. It was a huge adjustment for me, and one that I am still adjusting to. This is hardly a race issue; this is about cultivating future citizens of Selma. Because we all, white and black, are hurting from this

I ask now that the candidates for mayor take a stand, and present the city with a solution to this problem. Because make no mistake, this is a problem. Why be a mayor of a city that still has segregated schools? I wouldn’t want to. How can one be proud of Selma being the battle ground during the civil rights movement, but look at what we subject our children to? I ask that we all read the famous “I Have a Dream” speech. One of the phrases sticks out to me. Something about black and white children walking to school, holding hands. He had a dream. A dream that Selma was a vehicle in making come true. Sadly, now, how do we carry the torch? Again, I ask that all serious candidates take a stand, and present a solution. I am sure that I am not the only person eager to hear the responses.

Ensign Dondi S. West

Glen Burnie, Md.