Kentucky Lawmakers Demand Resignation of JCPS Official

Republican lawmakers in Kentucky are demanding the resignation of John Marshall, the Chief Equity Officer of Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), following a controversial post he made on X (formerly Twitter). In the post, Marshall stated that 'the majority of whites could care less' about Black individuals and suggested counting attendees in a room and dividing by half to gauge safety. The lawmakers condemned his remarks as 'reckless' and 'inflammatory', asserting that such statements should not come from someone in a leadership position, especially at taxpayer expense. They acknowledged that Marshall's speech is protected under the First Amendment but argued that it is inappropriate for a government officer. JCPS spokesperson Carolyn Callahan clarified that Marshall's post was made from a personal account and not on behalf of the school district. This incident has sparked a broader discussion on race and leadership in education amidst a politically charged environment.