Joe Killian
@JoekillianNC
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Greensboro Editor for The Assembly. Formerly: NC Newsline, NC Policy Watch, News & Record, The Bristol Press, Cape Cod Times, Youth Journalism International.
Greensboro, NC
Joined July 2008
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You can find me over on Threads.
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1
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Meeting with
#NikoleHannahJones
for an interview this week made me reflect on my June interview with Walter Hussman, the conservative Arkansas media magnate and
#UNC
megadonor who lobbied against hiring her.
It's worth talking a bit about these two people and interviews.
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In our interview, Hannah-Jones made it clear: The silence and lack of transparency from school leadership - particularly Guskiewicz - made taking another offer inevitable.
They could have prevented this, had they put in the work.
The more you sweat, the less you bleed.
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Having accomplished so much in journalism, Hannah-Jones did not feel inclined to kiss the ring of a wealthy white scion who thought his money bought him special access and input into the faculty recruiting process.
I don't know many real reporters who'd blame her.
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In the end, she got what most faculty, staff and alumni agreed she deserved: a public, up or down vote on whether she should, like all her white Knight Chair predecessors, be offered tenure.
That she won't be accepting the offer says more about UNC than it does her.
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So this fight? Having to prove to conservative white men that she, a Black woman who has won the Peabody, Polk and Pulitzer prizes, is fit to teach journalism to teenagers? She was ready for it.
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Whatever you may think of her, it's impossible to credibly argue Hannah-Jones hasn't put in the work.
As a veteran of newspaper newsrooms, I assure you Black women still have to work twice as hard for half as much success. To have the success she's had? Just imagine the work.
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Hussman did not work his way from the Chapel Hill News to the New York Times. His reporting and writing haven't earned him Peabody, Polk, Pulitzer and National Magazine Awards. His name isn't on UNC-Chapel Hill's journalism school because of his staggering reporting achievements.
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As students, faculty and even members of the BOT have noted, this was enormously inappropriate.
Strictly speaking, Hussman shouldn't even have known the school was pursuing Hannah-Jones. His $25 million donation to the school gave him information and access few alums enjoy.
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Today: Third time someone who called me referred to Nikole Hannah-Jones as "the 1619 girl."
The degree to which my reminding them she is a 45 year old woman seems to make no real impression is remarkable.
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Those are, as it happens, experiences I do share with Nikole Hannah-Jones.
As a Black woman, she had to work longer and harder than I did to get ahead in newsrooms. With more grit and talent, she's earned much more success. But we both worked our way up from working class roots.
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Did Hussman respect the decision of the dean, herself a pioneering woman in journalism? Leave the issue to the stellar J-School faculty?
No. He contacted the chancellor. He contacted the vice chancellor in charge of financial giving. He contacted at least one member of the BOT.
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Neither of us were, in our mid twenties, handed news outlets by our families. Neither of us were allowed to lose enormous amounts of money in years-long, heavily political newspaper wars until we crushed our rivals, assumed dominance and expanded our intergenerational empires.
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When Hussman didn't get what he wanted -- assent from the dean of the J-School and the administration to his objections-- the school offered to set up a meeting between Hussman and Hannah-Jones.
Hannah-Jones told me she declined.
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Using that privileged position, Hussman weighed in on a potential hire at UNC repeatedly and at levels to which even other prominent alumni do not have access. It shocked not just students and faculty at the school but even other well-connected, well-heeled donors.
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I suspected this may be one of the things that most offended Hannah-Jones about Hussman questioning her media values and credentials, whether she was fit to teach young journalists. And my interview with her confirmed it.
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With Hannah-Jones now on her way to Howard University to create the new Center for Journalism and Democracy, I find myself looking at all that happened here -- and how it happened -- and thinking not just about journalism but about boxing.
(Stay with me here...)
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Understanding, as he must, the difference between his CV and that of Nikole Hannah-Jones, he still felt the need to tell Susan King, dean of the J-School and UNC-Chapel Hill, he was against her hire.
King said thanks for the input, but the J-School would make the decision.
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That sort of experience -- slowly clawing your way up from smaller to larger newsrooms, being mentored by veteran reporters, slowly earning bigger beats and more responsibility over many years -- is what I'm supposed to assume I share with someone who says "I was a reporter."
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As we do it all the time, reporters notice when it's done to us-- particularly by politicians and PR people. A lot of people worked in a newsroom for a year or two in their 20s before figuring out they could buy things with money. So there's a lot of "You know, I was a reporter."
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A part of this was Hussman saying to me, repeatedly, "Well, Joe, you and I are both reporters..." or "Well, since we're both journalists I think you understand..."
This is a common rhetorical device. Find an area of common ground, assert affinity, create a bond.
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Learning to box as a teenager, I was taught some lessons that have stood me in good stead outside of the ring for the rest of my life -- particularly in journalism.
Call them "core values" if you must.
One of them is this: "The more you sweat, the less you bleed."
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When I was 27 years old I was a beat reporter on a daily newspaper going to fires, murder scenes, protests and government meetings. I practically slept in the newsroom, which was much nicer than my apartment, and took side gigs to afford to sleep indoors and eat while reporting.
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In boxing, putting in the work before a fight -- hours on the heavy and speed bags, sparring, road work -- prepares you for what's coming.
In journalism, reporting and writing stories big and small -- sometimes two or more a day, for years -- prepares you to cover anything.
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Walter Hussman can legitimately say that to people -- with a few important asterisks.
After journalism and business school, Hussman was briefly a reporter before, at age 27, he was made publisher of a paper in the family media dynasty he would go on to inherit.
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When I interviewed Hussman last month, he projected an intense folksiness -- sort of Mr. Rogers meets Bill Clinton.
Given Hussman's history with the Clintons in Arkansas, he might not love that comparison. But it's apt.
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Reporters -- including yours truly -- employ this in our work all the time. If I find out someone is from the part of Eastern NC where I was born, if they have a connection to the military or went to my college, I know we have a point of common reference.
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Thank you to everyone who had kind words today about our work on the
#NikoleHannahJones
story at
#UNC
.
NC Policy Watch is a non-profit newsroom. If you find our work valuable, you can donate here and continue to share our work widely.
#NCPol
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Hearing Nikole Hannah-Jones tenure approved. Confirmation to come shortly.
#unc
#ncpol
#NikoleHannahJones
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Guy just entered this store behind me with a 9mm Glock on his hip.
He was asked not to bring it in. He laughed. He was asked to follow the store policy or leave. He asked if they were going to make him.
They said they would call the police. He said go ahead.
So, here we are.
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Gang, we should talk about some of the things I saw at yesterday's
#UNC
BOT meeting on tenure for
#NikoleHannahJones
.
I should start by saying my observations are informed by 20 years of professional reporting - covering cops and courts, local and state government, higher ed.
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There are a lot of people who don't understand the First Amendment right to free speech doesn't mean private companies have to spend advertising dollars the way others think they should.
Takes a special level of ignorance to cast Apple as a free speech villain from your iPhone.
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Let me be clear about this: Making sure the public can attend public meetings and that elected officials and their appointees conduct public meetings in a way that is legal and equitable is *very much* a part of every journalist's job.
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Safe but arrested. Losing phone shortly. In transit to jail. Keep covering things until I am out. Could be a long night.
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Dozens of demonstrators turning themselves in to take responsibility for toppling Confederate statue in Durham.
#NCPol
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Out of jail. Safe and fine. See you back on the bear in the morning.
#NCPolicyWatch
#NCPol
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To that I can only repeat an old maxim handed down to me from political reporting mentors.
"In politics, there are no victims. Just volunteers."
There's no one on any board who didn't put their hand up and ask for the job. Some days it's a tough one.
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Here's another thing about being a reporter: It does not grant you superpowers, special rights or privileges. At least legally. I'm just a member of the public who writes for a living. If I can be in a public space, so can you. Anyone saying anything else is snowing you.
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Now being told to leave. Am told this includes media and I'll be arrested if I don't leave. Politely said they'll have to arrest me.
#NCPol
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UNC-Chapel Hill facult is having a very polite conversation with its chancellor in which he's defending the failed re-opening plan and suggesting they couldn't have foreseen student behavior. App State faculty now taking a "no confidence" vote on their chancellor.
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Board takes public vote. 9-4 for approval of tenure for Nikole Hannah-Jones.
#ncpol
#unc
#NikoleHannahJones
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@JeanneBondsNC
Oh, I checked out and stepped out. A younger, dumber me wouldn’t have.
This does feel related to a number of “Wear a mask in your store? Fuck you, make me…” moments I witnessed a couple years back.
But, you know, with deadly weapons.
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An observation about infection clusters at UNC Schools - Chapel Hill and otherwise: It's been obvious from the beginning of planning there would be infections and clusters. That's why from the beginning students, staff and faculty expressed concerns - particularly w/ dorms. (1/6)
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Not going to amplify some of the Ronald Reagan quotes being used in defense of Kyle Rittenhouse today.
Will just remind you Reagan backed both the 1993 Brady Bill and 1994 Assault Weapons Ban, much to the irritation of the NRA.
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Some Personal News™:
Next week I'm starting a new chapter as Greensboro Editor for The Assembly.
We’ll be reporting big stories and publishing a free weekly newsletter pulling it all together.
Sign up to get it right in your in-box starting in June.
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Let's skip right over a lot of replies to that which should come from people smarter than I.
If you're running a meeting it *is in your own best interest* (and everyone's) to keep things calm and the public informed about how you're doing it. No percentage in not doing so.
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Demonstrators: "Ain't no power like the power of the people, cause the power of the people don't stop."
#NCPol
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It's also just a bad look to have your own students, faculty, staff and alumni standing outside in 90-plus degree heat in a NC summer when you have several large and empty ballrooms and lobbies you could offer them. If they disrupt things? Toss 'em. Until then, a little courtesy.
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Reporters were allowed to stay inside, enjoying the AC. So were some faculty members without signs who just showed up, went to the bar, had some drinks, then sat in the lobby. Also, some (white) folks who literally walked in off the street. Just no one who looked "protester-y."
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Reminder: You can always film police officers for as long as you like, from whatever distance you like and in whatever conditions you like as long as you are not actually assaulting or impeding them.
This is settled law. Anyone who won't "tolerate" it can see the judge.
“If your iPhone can’t catch that picture with you being at a safe distance, then you need to upgrade your iPhone. Stop being on top of my police officers while they’re carrying out their jobs. That is not acceptable & it won’t be tolerated”:
@NYCMayor
re public recording cops
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This isn't just the UNC-CH BOT. I've seen it at the UNC Board of Governors meetings as well, also held in a public building. During controversies, students/faculty are regularly barred from accessing not just the meeting but the building. Not barred? Lobbyists. Not a great look.
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Given the controversy over the Nikole Hannah-Jones tenure issue,
#UNC
had to know there was going to be a large crowd at this meeting and they would see protests.
I wish I was kidding when I tell you I've seen multiple small town boards of aldermen handle protests much better.
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Duke University tells all employees they must get a COVID-19 vaccine or be fired
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First official day at The Assembly, North Carolina’s magazine of place and power.
My wife got this for me, because she’s wonderful.
Don’t find your match, folks. Marry up.
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The National Park and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians aren't fucking around when it comes to masking and social distancing. Twice saw people turned away from businesses or museums for being maskless today.
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How to easily avoid this: Have a conversation beforehand. Have someone who has some affinity with and respect from the protesters (say, student body president Lamar Richards) explain this to the public beforehand. Explain how the process will work, that any vote will be public.
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Hey, gang.
I just donated a copy of The 1619 Project by
@nhannahjones
and an impressive host of collaborators. The book's out on Nov. 16 and you can help schools and community orgs that want a copy here:
#1619Project
#NikoleHannahJones
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One day in 7th grade we had a free period during gym. Some boys invited me to play basketball. I said I’d rather sit in the bleachers and finish a book.
After school three of them cornered me, held me down and screamed homophobic slurs while beating me.
#TryItInaSmallTown
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I've had cops get into my face when I point out that these meetings are public and that they do in fact have to let the public attend them unless and until they are disruptive to the meeting. They didn't love my weighing in, wanted to tell me it wasn't my job.
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As Nikole Hannah-Jones announced this morning, she will not accept the offer from her alma mater, UNC-Chapel Hill.
Her interview with NC Policy Watch on the details of her decision, and her new position with Howard University, at 8:30 a.m.
#ncpol
#unc
#nikolehannahjones
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@nhannahjones
@NCPolicyWatch
Thank you for the time and the candor. Good luck to you with the new endeavor!
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Our interview with
#NikoleHannahJones
on her decision.
Nikole Hannah-Jones declines
#UNC
tenure offer, heads to Howard University
#ncpol
via
@ncpolicywatch
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@nhannahjones
Nikole Hannah-Jones certainly did not instigate - or even participate in, through comment - the weeks of media stories leading up to the ultimate BOT vote. This is the definition of a lousy, inaccurate take.
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In summary: This is all heartbreaking and scary. It's also the way it was designed to work. Their plans take this into account. They always did. Today you're just seeing what that actually looks like in reality instead of hearing a hypothetical discussion. (6/6)
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This sort of behavior from the governing boards and UNC police isn't new to the pandemic era. I've seen them remove chairs from meeting rooms pre-pandemic, then say there wasn't room for the public. I've seen them deny people available chairs for no reason.
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UNC journalism faculty members: Wealthy donors should not define the school's values
#ncpol
via
@ncpolicywatch
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That wasn't done. So we ended up in a situation where police shoved and forcibly removed Black students from this meeting, where they continued to protest in the hallway. What calmed things: Richards calling them to make the explanation *after* things went sideways.
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@DIPA84436523
I don’t have any idea who you are, but you seem to be doing a pretty poor job disregarding me.
Better luck with it in the future.
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I am *in line* to board a plane to a funeral. Again. Not even on the plane yet. Guy behind me says, unsolicited, I don't need to wear a mask.
"Mind your business," I said. He did.
Last guy to say this to me was a UNC BOG member. Felt compelled to be more polite. Not today.
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How they were making these decisions was not apparent. They repeatedly said, "We have orders" and declined to discuss how and why they were doing what they were doing.
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I was fine with No Newborns November. But how long is this shortage of baby meat supposed to last...?
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I cannot tell you how many times in my career a third generation graduate of an elite private college has told me that I, a trailer park kid from Eastern NC, probably wouldn't understand how some issue is seen by average people...
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Over the course of my career I've stood up for conservatives and liberals who were denied access to public spaces or meetings. I've always asked cops and elected officials to explain closing meetings and public spaces to the public when it would be more comfortable for them.
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Listen: GOP NC Governor Pat McCrory lost in 2016. He also refused to concede, alleged irregularities and fraud. He made false accusations and misidentified people as felons, including a Republican. He argued GOP led boards of election were complicit or incompetent. Not new stuff.
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@AStevens1956
I grew up with a lot of different types of gun guys.
This one had a strong “I need everyone to see it” vibe.
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But most people who don't follow these things very carefully (which is to say, most people) don't know this. There's no real reason to expect they would. I saw the crowd becoming upset by this coming. If I did, you know UNC PR folks did. But no one did anything to prevent it.
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@smalletravel
It is important to distinguish between the town, the university and the political appointees running the system and the boards of trustees at individual schools.
NHJ is a product of the UNC-CH J-School and has affection for it. The current political situation is worrying.
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Our family lost my sister-in-law, Shelli Lehmert, this weekend.
She healed broken places and brought people together, strengthened frayed bonds between people who loved one another. That was important to her.
I don't know a better thing you can say about someone.
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Last night, I suggested one UNC PR student could have prevented a lot of yesterday's headaches. If they were willing to listen to one.
UNC-Chapel Hill and the UNC System do have smart, experienced PR pros - some alumni themselves. My guess is their advice isn't getting through.
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The
#UNC
Board of Governors and UNC System President made it clear they, not chancellors, will make final decisions on ending on-campus housing/instruction. So I reached out to system office for comment on today's clusters. Was told to direct my questions to UNC-Chapel Hill.
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That's fine...I've gotten through a lot of meetings standing.
But yesterday, UNC police kept protesters (students, faculty, alumni) OUT OF THE BUILDING until the meeting began, then moved and kept them outside (in the 90-plus degree heat) during the three hour closed session.
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Will continue live-tweeting as long as I can. Looks like I'll be arrested shortly.
#NCPol
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This is, of course, more than a PR issue. It's a matter of public access - of respect for the students, staff, faculty and alumni who make up the school.
But strictly from a PR perspective, on which I expect broader agreement...they can and should be doing better.
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Ida B. Wells Society canceled programs for young journalists after
#UNC
withheld millions in funding via
@NCNewsline
#NCPol
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Hussman questions whether Nikole Hannah-Jones believes in "Black separatism."
His characterization of her essay on reparations appears to be the opposite of what she was arguing and has written about throughout her career.
#NCPol
#UNC
#NikoleHannahJones
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Your generation needed the national guard to integrate schools, lawyers to sue for your basic civil rights, boycots and clashes with cops to vote and use public resources equitably.
Be unimpressed with these newfangled race-based politics all you like.
The kids are all right.
I am not impressed with the race-based politics involved in leftists awarding each other prizes, awards & tenure, My generation believed in equal opportunity, merit-based promotions & non discrimination in decision making. Extortion was not a frequent tactic.
#NikoleHannahJones
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Read this now, gang.
“When we raise the tide for Black women, who are among the most marginalized and the most vulnerable, we ultimately raise the tide for all women."
Black maternal health crisis cuts across socioeconomic lines via
@ncpolicywatch
#ncpol
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Passing this along these links for any federal employees looking to talk to reporters.
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“You handed me the Martin Luther King Student Scholarship Award this year,” Angum Check told UNC Chancellor Carol Folt to her face. “And I want to tell you, you are a disgrace. Never utter MLK’s words ever again.”
#ncpol
#SilentSam
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Have learned my work for NC Policy Watch last year has won the 2020 Duke University/Green-Rossiter Award for Distinguished Newspaper Work in Higher Education Reporting from the North Carolina Press Association. Here's what the judges had to say.
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"I do think it's important to show that we don't necessarily need these institutions. We can walk away if we're not treated the way we deserve to be treated. That's also an important message to send to students."
#UNC
#NikoleHannahJones
#NCPol
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In more than 20 years reporting, I've seen a lot more of these stories first-hand than I care to remember.
I remember them every time someone tells me I need to carry a gun.
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I've been to a number of BOT meetings at The Carolina Inn, where they're generally held in one or several large ball rooms. Pre-pandemic, chairs were provided for the public. In the pandemic, those chairs were eliminated. A 75 person cap was in place yesterday, everyone standing.
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A certain number of infections, even deaths were always considered an acceptable cost of doing business. For months I've heard students, staff, faculty ask: how many? They never received a straight answer. Instead, they heard, it will depend on "many factors." (5/6)
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