"United in times of Challenge"

NEW ORLEANS, LA (1/5/12) -Today, Mayor Mitch Landrieu, along with the New Orleans Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Planning Commission announced the schedule of events for the City's 26th annual MLK holiday celebration.

This year's theme is "United in times of Challenge." Mayor Landrieu said he's hopeful that in remembering Dr. King's legacy, the City can overcome its current challenges together as one. "We face many challenges today-violence, fear, division, but I know, together, we as citizens can overcome these challenges and act to improve the lives of our people."

All citizens are welcome and encouraged to attend the opening program on Martin Luther King Jr., Day events. The opening program will begin at Congo Square at Armstrong Park on Monday, January 16, 2012 at 9:30am, followed by the 26th annual MLK Memorial March at 10:00am.

The march starts at the entrance of Armstrong Park at N. Rampart and St. Anne. It goes down N. Rampart towards downtown. N Rampart turns into Oretha Castle Haley at Calliope. The parade continues down OC Haley and makes a right turn on MLK Blvd. It goes up MLK to S. Claiborne ends at MLK Monument on S. Claiborne and Felicity.

For more information, please call the Mayor's office at 504-658-4900 or visit www.nola.gov/mlk2012.

New Orleans Public Library Celebration

• Thursday, January 12, 2012
• 12:00pm
• New Orleans Public Library Main Branch, 219 Loyola Ave.

A Conversation: Lessons from past, preparing for the future

United Teachers of N.O. Choral Concert

MLK Hands On Service Project

Memorial Church Celebration

• Sunday, January 15, 2012
• 8:00am
• St. Paul Church of God in Christ, 1020 Forstall St.

R.E.A.L. March

• Sunday, January 15, 2012
• 10:00am
• (Begins at A.L. Davis Park and ending at MLK Monument at S. Claiborne Ave.)

Wreath Laying Ceremony

• Sunday, January 15, 2012
• 11:00am
• (MLK Monument on S. Claiborne Ave. & MLK Blvd.)

Opening Program

• Monday, January 16, 2012
• 9:30am
• Congo Square at Armstrong Park, 901 N. Rampart St.

26th Annual MLK Memorial March

• Monday, January 16, 2012
• 10:00am
• (Begins at Congo Square and ends at MLK Monument at S. Claiborne Ave.)

• Monday, January 16, 2012
• 2:00pm
• New Orleans African American Museum, 1418 Gov. Nicholls

Meg Kinnard, Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - After a lengthy legal battle between a black South Carolina church and members of the Ku Klux Klan, a judge has ruled that the church owns a building where KKK robes and T-shirts are sold.

A circuit judge ruled last month that New Beginnings Baptist Church is the rightful owner of the building that houses the Redneck Shop, which operates a so-called Klan museum and sells Klan robes and T-shirts emblazoned with racial slurs. The judge ordered the shop's proprietor to pay the church's legal bills of more than $3,300.

Since 1996, the Redneck Shop has operated in an old movie theater in Laurens, a city about 70 miles northwest from Columbia that was named after 18th century slave trader Henry Laurens.

Ownership of the building was transferred in 1997 to the Rev. David Kennedy and his church, New Beginnings, by a Klansman fighting with others inside the hate group, according to court records. That man, according to Kennedy, was feuding with store proprietor John Howard over a woman and "developed a spiritual relationship" with Kennedy's church, the judge wrote.

But a clause in the deed entitles Howard, formerly KKK grand dragon for the Carolinas, to operate his business in the building until he dies.

After years of trying to have the property inspected, Kennedy and New Beginnings sued Howard and others in 2008. On Dec. 9, a judge ruled in Kennedy's favor.

Reached on his cell phone, Howard said he did not know about the judge's decision and deferred comment to his attorney, who did not immediately return a message.

It wasn't immediately clear if the judge's ruling would mean Howard must close the shop. Howard hung up on a reporter when asked about the shop's status, but an outgoing message on the shop's answering machine said it's only open one morning a week.

Howard has defended his business in the past.

"If anything turns people off, they shouldn't come in here," Howard told The Associated Press in 2008. "It's not a thing in here that's against the law."

The Redneck Shop has been the target of protests and attacks from the start. A few days after it opened, a Columbia man crashed his van through the front windows and was charged with malicious damage to property. High profile black activists have staged several protests outside the store, and Kennedy has regularly picketed there as well.

Kennedy has a long history of fighting racial injustice. He protested when a South Carolina county refused to observe the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, and he helped lobby to remove the Confederate flag from the Statehouse dome.

Kennedy said Tuesday his congregation was elated by the judge's decision, which he said he had already discussed with local police in hopes of being able to visit and inspect the property this week.

"It has been a long time coming," said Kennedy, who learned of the ruling this week. "We knew we had done everything right. ... The court knows that we have suffered . . ."

"Where Dreams Begin: Preparing the Next Generation"

NEW ORLEANS - Dr. Martin Luther KIng, Jr. Charter School will commemorate it's schools namesake on Friday, January 13,2012 in the Lower Ninth Ward. Students, staff, parents and many visiting bands and organizations will join the King School at twelve noon as they bring civic lessons to life by marching for peace in the city of New Orleans.

The peace march will begin at twelve noon at the corners of Caffin and Claiborne Avenue and encircle the lower ninth ward ending back at the school.

Friday, Jan. 13, at Dillard University's Lawless Memorial Chapel

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation presents a Jazz Journey concert featuring the legendary song stylist Rene Marie, along with three of New Orleans' greatest female jazz singers: Germaine Bazzle, Stephanie Jordan and Betty Shirley.

The concert takes place on Friday, Jan. 13, at Dillard University's Lawless Memorial Chapel in New Orleans, Louisiana. Admission is free. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts promptly at 7:00 p.m.

René Marie, the award winning singer and Virginia native whose style incorporates elements of jazz, soul, blues and gospel, has quickly become a heroine to many; a woman of great strength exuding stamina and compassion; often explaining how finding her voice and self through singing gave her the courage to leave an abusive marriage. But since the release of her recording debut, Renaissance, this Colorado based heroine has also evolved into one of the greatest and most sensuous vocalists of our time. Unmistakably honest and unpretentious while transforming audiences worldwide with her powerful interpretations, electrifying deliveries and impassioned vocals - René Marie has drawn a legion of fans and music critics who find themselves not only entertained, but encouraged and even changed by her performances.

With her latest release Voice of My Beautiful Country (Motema Music), listeners will hear her trademark vocals but will also be struck by the wide variety of songs that she interprets. During the course of the album, Marie brings her personal touch to everything from Motown to Tin Pan Alley to "America the Beautiful." But Voice of My Beautiful Country is much more than a demonstration of Marie's eclectic musical tastes; it is an ambitious celebration of Americana and the cultural diversity of these United States. . . .

Rene Marie has received several awards throughout her career including Best International Jazz Vocal CD (besting Cassandra Wilson and Joni Mitchell) by the Academie Du Jazz (Paris, France) and has graced the Billboard Charts multiple times propelling her to headliner status at major festivals in the US & abroad including the prestigious Women In Jazz festival at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Spoleto festival in Charleston, SC, the Edinburgh Jazz Festival (Scotland), Shanghai Jazz Festival (China) among many others.

Stephanie Jordan, whom critics have placed in the company of Nancy Wilson and Diana Krall, had this written about her Kennedy Center performance by the Washington Post, "Contributing intimate and thoroughly enjoyable interludes were . . . A poised, soulfully articulate vocalist, Jordan turned in a performance that warmly evoked the influence of Abbey Lincoln, Shirley Horn, Carmen McRae and other jazz greats."

Jordan has performed the national anthem alongside Grammy Award winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis at the 2008 NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans. She has appeared live on NPR Talk of the Nation; featured performer at Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Chicago's Harris Theater, The Setai South Beach, Marians Jazzroom in Bern, Switzerland; St Croix Blue Bay Jazz Fest, Manship Theatre in Baton Rouge, Duke Ellington Festival, Washington D.C., Chicago JazzFest Heritage; Glenwood Springs, Co., Adagio's Jazz Club in Savannah, Hayti Heritage Center Durham, Sweet Lorraine's New Orleans and is a regular at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Stephanie is a member of the New Orleans Magazine Jazz All-Stars and has served as a 'Jazz Ambassadors' for the U.S. Department of State. The Washingtonian Magazine labeled her "JAZZHOT!"

Stephanie Jordan just concluded taping a movie video soundtrack for Lee Daniels' upcoming 2012 production of "The Paperboy" which co-stars Matthew McConaughey, Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, and John Cusack among others.

Recognized internationally, the Sud Ouest French publication calls Jordan "unbelievably superb;" the London Monthly Herald declares, "Ms. Stephanie Jordan in her silk green dress catches your eyes. She reminds me of the flashy dashy days of Josephine Baker at the Lido in Paris, the author referred to Jordan as "The classy lady of modern Jazz!"

When Germaine Bazzle - New Orleans' "First Lady of Jazz" - steps on a stage she's not simply fulfilling the role of a singer, she becomes a member of the band. Like an instrumentalist, she explores jazz melodically, through her hot scatting and by mimicking instruments such as the trumpet and trombone. Most agree that if it weren't for her dedication to teaching - she's been at it for some 50 years - she'd be renowned far beyond the city limits.

"One of the true legends of New Orleans jazz . . . On par with R&B queen Irma Thomas, her voice in jazz is as distinctive as any, with a sweet soul to match. Her exploits singing in the Seventh Ward are unmatched, but she has been known primarily as a teacher. Influenced by the greats like Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billy Eckstein, she took on a repertoire of classic jazz, American popular songs, show tunes, and the music of Duke Ellington. Sounds of the church were never far behind, and she sang regularly on Sundays with the Saint Louis Catholic Choir. A graduate of Xavier University, Bazzle chose to stay at home, instructing mostly young girls in choir and music appreciation at Xavier Prep . . . , "writes Michael G. Nastos.

Ms. Bazzle has performed with such jazz greats as Alvin "Red" Tyler, Peter "Chuck" Badie, Victor Goines, bassist/vocalist, George French, pianist Ellis Marsalis, Emile Vinnette, Larry Siebert, David Torkanowsky and many more. Germaine can be heard on her CD entitled "Standing Ovation".

Jazz Vocalist extraordinaire, artist and teacher Betty Shirley has come full circle in her life and is now reaping the benefits of her hard-earned endeavors. The Times Picayune declares " . . . her range and command of the stage make Shirley's a voice that should be heard round the world." Blessed with all the range and tonal control one might expect from a first-class Jazz singer, Shirley can scat, propel, coax and hang on to a note. She improvises with unnerving instincts and delivers exactly what a song needs, spinning notes like silk.

Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Shirley spent her childhood in Chicago, and "ran off" to study music and art in New York City at the age of 16. Betty Shirley honed her skills on the New York scene making use of Jazz Mobile, and performing in such clubs as Birdland, Green Street Café and the Village Gate. In the early 1990's she followed her muse and settled in the great Jazz city of New Orleans where she has continued to perform at such clubs as Snug Harbor, Royal Sonesta and Donna's.

The Foundation's Jazz Journey concert series brings many luminaries in modern jazz to New Orleans for unique performances. Over the years the series has presented a who's who of jazz, from Ahmad Jamal to Wallace Roney. The Foundation frequently partners with others, such as the Contemporary Arts Center and the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz to stage free concerts of high-profile performers. It's all part of our mission to promote the music and culture of jazz while giving back to the community. See our schedule of events for upcoming Jazz Journey concerts.

The concert will be broadcast live on community radio station WWOZ (90.7 FM) and online at www.wwoz.org.

Interested small business owners must apply by January 23, 2012

NEW ORLEANS (12/21/11) - Today, Mayor Mitch Landrieu and the Mayor's Office of Economic Development announced that the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is currently accepting applications from the Greater New Orleans area to enroll in the program's third class. Applications from small business owners are due January 23, 2012.

The 11-session business management education program will meet from late March - June. Classes are held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays and some Saturdays at Delgado Community College. Participants also commit 6-8 hours per week for out-of-class activities geared toward their business. Business owners eligible to apply for the program are required to have been in business for two years or more; and to have at least four employees, a revenue stream of $150,000 to $4 million per year, and a business that is poised for growth.

In advance of the application deadline, those interested in applying or seeking more information about the program are invited to attend one of two information sessions held at Delgado Community College, City Park Campus (Building #3, Room 222). Dates for those sessions include:

Interested business owners can RSVP for the information sessions at jyunke@dcc.edu or 504-671-6523. Walk-ins are welcomed.

First announced in November 2010, 10,000 Small Businesses is designed to help local small business owners create jobs and economic opportunity by providing them with greater access to business education, financial capital, and business support services.

"We have completed two programs of 10,000 Small Businesses, and consistently we have seen participants succeed in growing their businesses," said Mayor Landrieu. "And with a call for our third class, our commitment to create jobs and get our economy back on track continues."

Small business owners accepted into the program will study accounting, human resources, negotiation, and marketing. Accepted applicants will also participate in one-on-one business advising sessions, accounting workshops, and pro bono legal clinics.

Throughout the Greater New Orleans area, the 10,000 Small Businesses initiative will offer selected businesses:

• Practical Business and Management Education
• Potential Capital to expand
• Business support services
• A network of support
• Alumni services

Small business owners interested in applying to the business and management education program can contact Delgado Community College at 504.671.5000 for more information. Small business owners interested in applying for capital can contact Hope Enterprise Corporation at 10KSB@hope-ec.org here for more information.

Delgado Community College: http://www.dcc.edu/divisions/workforce/10ksb/

Hope Enterprise Corporation: http://www.hope-ec.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=78&Itemid=108

Goldman Sachs is also seeking candidates for the 10,000 Small Businesses Program Executive Director at Delgado Community College. Interested individuals should apply via WorkNOLA.com.

New York, NY (January 13, 2012) - Bill Cosby today announced his full support for National School Choice Week (January 22-28, 2012), organizers announced this morning.

"I strongly support National School Choice Week because all children in America should be able to access the best schools possible," Cosby said. "We have a moral and societal obligation to give our children the opportunity to succeed in school, at work, and in life. We cannot meet that obligation unless parents are empowered to select the best schools of their children. I encourage everyone who wants to see a transformation of American education to get involved in National School Choice Week."

Cosby, who has an Ed.D., has always sought to educate through his comedy, television work and books. These include the first "Cosby Show," where he played a high school teacher, the landmark "Cosby Show," featuring the Huxtable family, and the Fat Albert and Little Bill series. As Mr. Cosby says in the opening Fat Albert title, "You better watch out, you may learn something."

"We are thrilled to receive Dr. Cosby's full support for National School Choice Week," said Michelle Bernard, president of the Bernard Center for Women, Politics, and Public Policy and a National School Choice Week planning partner. "Dr. Cosby is helping to shine a bright spotlight on an issue that effects us all: the need to provide all American children with the education they need to achieve their own American dreams."

National School Choice Week 2012 Official Kickoff

Join us for the official kickoff of National School Choice Week 2012. Celebrate the need for, and success of, effective education options for all children at the largest school choice party ever planned. At this event, students, parents, teachers, and community leaders will converge to enjoy musical entertainment from world-renowned entertainers The Temptations and Ellis Marsalis.

Enjoy brief remarks from some of your favorite celebrities and educational heroes. Event is free and open to school choice supporters. Lakefront Arena at the University of New Orleans Arena opens for entry at 10:30 am, event begins at 11:00 am and concludes at 12:30 pm. RSVP Recommended.

Dobard is a career educator and New Orleans native

New Orleans, La. - On Wednesday, January 11, 2012 the Louisiana State Superintendent of Education John White announced the appointed Patrick Dobard as the Interim Superintendent of the state-run Recovery School District (RSD). Dobard, a career educator and New Orleans native, will transition into the role from his current position as Deputy Superintendent of Community and Policy for the RSD.

"The RSD has made significant strides in the past several months to fulfill the commitments it made to the New Orleans community that all students will be able to graduate from college or to attain a professional career. Patrick Dobard is the most qualified person to ensure the District follows through on those commitments," said White. "I am looking forward to watching the continued growth and development of the District during his tenure, as he continues working with policymakers, teachers, families, and communities, to identify the best steps to ensure academic achievement is reached for the children of New Orleans."

Governor Bobby Jindal expressed confidence in the selection of Dobard as the Interim Superintendent.

"Patrick was born and raised in New Orleans and knows the area, as well as the distinct needs and challenges facing schools in the Recovery School District across the state. I have no doubt he'll work closely with John to build upon past successes and make sure we're doing what it takes to provide students with a quality education," said Gov. Jindal.

With a career in education spanning more than 20 years, Dobard has spent time in the classroom, as well as at the administrative level. Dobard's career started with his first teaching job at Francis Gregory Junior High in New Orleans. He also taught at Davidson High School in Tensas Parish and finally at Northdale Magnet Academy in Baton Rouge. Additionally, he has spent time as an adjunct faculty member at Baton Rouge Community College.

Dobard joined the Louisiana Department of Education in 2001. He served in various roles at the Department, including overseeing the implementation of the state's social studies portion of the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) and Graduation Exit Examination (GEE) program. Following that position, he was later promoted to a program officer position and managed a multi-million dollar statewide assessment contract. In 2005, Dobard took over the management of two LDOE divisions - the Division of Student Standards and Assessment and the Division of Educational Improvement and Assistance, which oversees Title 1 programs, statewide reading initiatives, and special education programs.

In 2007, Dobard was tapped by former Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek to serve as his Confidential Assistant. Dobard was later promoted to the position of Deputy Director of Governmental Affairs, serving as a legislative liaison for the Department and assisting and advising the superintendent on all education policy related matters. Before joining the RSD in his current role, Dobard also served as the State Superintendent's Personal Liaison to the Recovery School District.

Dobard graduated from St. Augustine High School and received his bachelor's degree in secondary education from Southern University at New Orleans. He also holds a master's degree in history from Southern University in Baton Rouge.

Dobard said he is fully invested in the fulfillment of the 12 commitments that were announced by the RSD earlier this year to get every student in New Orleans on track to graduate from college or to attain a professional career.

"Regardless of the change in administration, I still hold the same core beliefs and principles that we must do whatever it takes to ensure the success of students in New Orleans," said Dobard. "We have listened to parents and members of the community, and we are focused on delivering on the promises and commitments we made to provide better opportunities for the students in this city. I'm looking forward to accomplishing the goals we have set."

To Be Equal #2: Syndicated Weekly Column by National Urban League President & CEO Marc H. Morial

"No nation can long continue to flourish or to find its way to a better society while it allows any one of its citizens . . . to be denied the right to participate in the most fundamental of all privileges of democracy - the right to vote." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 11, 2012 - On Monday, January 16th, America will celebrate what would have been the 83rd birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The day will be marked from coast-to-coast with parades, speeches, and pilgrimages to the new King Memorial on the National Mall. But in the midst of this outpouring of praise, there is a sinister movement afoot to undo one of Dr. King's hardest fought victories - the removal of discriminatory barriers to voting and the passage of the Voting Rights Act signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965.

.In Dr. King's day, billy clubs, cattle prods and guns kept African Americans away from the polls. Today, new voter restriction laws on the books or in the works in at least 34 states could deny the right to vote to more than 5 million Americans this year. These laws include new photo ID requirements, elimination of early voting, bans on voting by out-of-state college students, and rollbacks of voting rights for ex-felons who have paid their debts to society. Florida has even eliminated voting on the Sunday before Election Day which has traditionally been a day when African American churches organized "souls to the polls" drives for their congregations.

The mostly conservative proponents of these new laws claim they are meant to prevent widespread fraud - the casting of ballots by people who are not legally eligible to vote. But both the Bush and Obama Justice Departments have looked and not found significant voter fraud in American elections. So let's be clear - the real reason behind this spate of new laws is to suppress the votes of people likely to support progressive candidates and issues - African Americans, Latinos, young people, the elderly and people with disabilities. This is unconscionable. It is un-American. And it dishonors the sacrifices of generations of Americans who have fought and died to extend the right to vote to every citizen.

Fortunately, a growing number of Americans are fighting back. On December 10th, the National Urban League joined the NAACP and a coalition of civil rights groups at a "Stand for Freedom" march and rally at the United Nations to protest this blatant attack on voting rights. Attorney General Eric Holder has also expressed concern about the legality of some of these new laws. Recently, the Justice Department struck down a voter ID law in South Carolina and Holder promises to continue to monitor these attempts and stop them when they violate the law. But beating back these efforts will require citizen vigilance and action.

In a recent speech at the LBJ Library and Museum in Austin, Texas, Holder urged Americans to "Speak out. Raise awareness about what's at stake. Call on our political parties to resist the temptation to suppress certain votes in the hope of attaining electoral success and . . . urge policymakers at every level to reevaluate our election systems - and to reform them in ways that encourage, not limit, participation."

We agree. We must not let the hard-won voting rights secured by Dr. King, John Lewis, LBJ and so many others slip away.

.

New Orleans, LA- Total Community Action, Inc. will distribute commodities to needy families under the Food Assistance Program for Orleans Parish Residents on Thursday, January 19, 2012.

TCA will distribute commodities at the following locations and times:

Central City EOC, 2101 Philips Street

Arthur Monday Center, 1111 Newton Street

Desire Resident Council, 3101 Desire Pkwy.

Commodities will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Recipients must present the pre-issued pink commodity card. To register for January distribution residents must call Total Community Action Community Services at (504) 324-8609 by Friday, January 13, 2012.

The distribution of food items is a joint effort of TCA, Second Harvest and the City of New Orleans. If you have questions about TCA or its services please visit our website at www.tca-nola.org; or contact Ashley Thomas at (504) 373-6372 or ashley.thomas@tca-nola.org.

Total Community Action, Inc. (TCA) is a non-profit community-based agency, dedicated to serving the needs of the disadvantaged. Founded in 1964, TCA has worked with families to overcome social and economic conditions that perpetuate poverty. Services provided by TCA address the needs of the poor and near-poor by providing direct assistance, as well as the opportunity for people to better help themselves. Services provided by TCA include: early childhood development (Head Start); energy conservation services; commodity distribution; case management; workforce and job development; financial education; asset development; advocacy and community engagement; and a variety of partnerships and linkages.

Saturday night, Mayor Mitch Landrieu and the New Orleans Hornets will kick off the SOS NOLA Midnight Basketball League, another initiative of the Mayor's SOS NOLA: Saving Our Sons campaign. Last September, Mayor Landrieu held a citywide Crime Action Summit with over 2,000 citizens in attendance and over 600 residents and leaders from the business, faith-based and nonprofit community committing to doing their part to help end the cycle of violent crime and murder in the city.

SOS NOLA Midnight Basketball will consist of a series of 5-on-5 tournaments from January 14 to March 24, 2012. Each tournament will follow the NCAA tournament style structure. Tournaments will take place every other Saturday beginning January 14 through March 24 at St. Bernard Center, 1500 Lafreniere Street, from 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. SOS NOLA Midnight Basketball is free of charge and open to males over 18 years old.

WHO: Mayor Mitch Landrieu, City officials

WHEN: Saturday, January 14, 2012, 8:00 PM

WHEN: Saturday, January 14, 2012, 8:00 PM

Entergy New Orleans customers can help test smart meter technology

NEW ORLEANS - The Energy Smart program is looking for 300 Entergy New Orleans customers to help test smart meter technology. Participants who sign up for the program at no charge will receive an in-home display device that shows how much energy is being used in near real time. Want to know how much extra energy it takes to dry clothes or how much more energy you are using by raising or lowering the thermostat? The in-home display technology can help customers estimate an monthly electric bill and demonstrate how energy usage decisions in the house can add or subtract to the cost.

Entergy New Orleans customers can learn more about the Energy Smart in-home display program and sign up by visiting http://www.energysmartnola.info/ihd-pilot/ or calling toll free (855) 337-6278.

Energy Smart is the energy efficiency program developed by the New Orleans City Council and administered by Entergy New Orleans, Inc.

Rodney & Etter, LLC features a roster of capable and energetic attorneys. The team of talented lawyers has litigated a wide variety of cases, while building a successful courtroom record. With over 25 years of combined legal experience, the attorneys of Rodney & Etter, LLC are a practiced and knowledgeable team, ready for the next challenge.

By Norlisha Parker-Burke

In May of 2002, the United States Secret Service and the United States Department of Education issued The Final Report and Findings of the Safe School Initiative: Implications for the Prevention of School Attacks in the United States which studied school-based attacks. Page 21 of the study states: "Almost three-quarters of the attackers felt persecuted, bullied, threatened, attacked or injured by others prior to the incident." The report goes on to say, " . . . in a number of the incidents of targeted school violence studied, attackers described being bullied in terms that suggested that these experiences approached torment. These attackers told of behaviors that, if they occurred in the workplace, likely would meet legal definitions of harassment and/or assault." (page 35-36)

Bullying has been closely associated with incidents of retribution and mass violence ranging from Columbine to Virginia Tech and many more situations that have not made the national media. "Bullying" is a broad term used to describe various behaviors such as hitting, kicking, name-calling, rumor mongering, social isolation, threats, and verbal assaults, whose purpose is to cause psychological harm to the victim. Bullying can equate to harassment and discrimination when it involves constitutionally protected classes. School administrators and their in-house counsel should be aware of the legal ramifications of accusations of bullying in their schools.

Lawsuits alleging bullying may be filed as tort actions in state courts or as civil rights claims in federal court. Notice of bullying may also affect the liability of a school system in a mass violence case, because prior accusations of bullying go directly to foreseeability and reasonableness. State court bullying claims typically involve intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional distress, negligent supervision, assault, battery and breach of duties to protect and supervise. The risk of unreasonable injury must be foreseeable, constructively or actually known, and preventable if a requisite degree of supervision had been exercised. S.J. v. Lafayette Parish Sch. Bd., 41 So. 3d 1119 (La. 2010). Courts have consistently held that there is no liability for conduct that is "sudden" or "without warning." Wallmuth v. Rapides Parish Sch. Bd., 813 So. 2d 341 at 347-8 (La. Apr. 3, 2002). In courts which allow claims for negligent supervision, the requirements are generally: (1) negligence on the part of the school board, its agents, or teachers in providing supervision; (2) a causal connection between the lack of supervision and the accident; and (3) that the risk of unreasonable injury was foreseeable, constructively or actually known, and preventable if a requisite degree of supervision had been exercised. Pugh v. St. Tammany Parish Sch. Bd., 994 So. 2d 95 (La.App. 1 Cir. 2008).

Currently, 47 of 50 states have anti-bullying laws. These laws may or may not prove to be statutory exceptions to the general rule that schools are only required to provide reasonable supervision. Louisiana Revised Statute 17:416.13 defines bullying, harassment and intimidation as "any intentional gesture or written, verbal, or physical act that: (a) A reasonable person under the circumstances should know will have the effect of harming a student or damaging his property or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to his life or person or damage to his property; and (b) Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student." It goes on to state "cyberbullying shall mean harassment, intimidation, or bullying of a student on school property by another student using a computer, mobile phone, or other interactive or digital technology, or harassment, intimidation, or bullying of a student while off school property by another student using any such means when the action or actions are intended to have an effect on the student when the student is on school property."

In maximizing school safety, school administrators must continue to be vigilant, seeking to minimize bullying and reducing possible retribution through the mass school violence that has become all too familiar in today's society.

"I greatly appreciate the cooperation among all those who are partnering with the City to make this happen," said Mayor Landrieu. "Together we can save thousands of trees that would have otherwise been thrown out to waste and provide critical support to help rebuild and preserve our wetlands."

Residents interested in participating in the program can recycle their Christmas trees by placing them curbside on their regularly scheduled collection days January 5, 6 and 7. Residents must remove all lights, tree stands, ornaments and tinsel from live trees. Flocked and artificial trees will not be collected, and trees should not be placed on the neutral grounds.

The City's Department of Sanitation, Office of Coastal and Environmental Affairs and the Materials Management Group are making possible the effort to collect, sort, and bundle the trees, which will then be dropped in the Bayou Sauvage National Refuge Area in Eastern New Orleans.

This project is funded by the Environmental Improvement Fund of the City's Office of Blight Policy and Neighborhood Revitalization at a cost of approximately $8,000.

Residents seeking more information should contact the Office of Coastal and Environmental Affairs at (504) 658-4070.

A project of New America Media (NAM) and funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, NOLA Beez culls daily and weekly articles and videos from New Orleans' ethnic media, translates them to English when necessary, and posts them online, creating and opening up new lines of communication among and between ethnic and immigrant

Dine-in/Take-Out/Delivery/Catering

Call 504-324-5372