Ankeny Schools

The Ankeny School District's decision to try and restrict KCCI Reporter Lauren Johnson, a Black female journalist, from covering a school board meeting is reprehensible, anti-democratic, and impedes the rights of a free press.

To make matters worse, the decision to prevent a journalist of color from covering a meeting about the district's decision to remove a posting for a position that tackles diversity, equity and inclusivity within Ankeny Schools speaks volumes.

It also provides another example of why that position may be necessary.

Ms. Johnson reached out to the school district ahead of time to make sure there was space for her to cover this meeting and was told there was. She was the only media member who covered the meeting in person. When Ms. Johnson arrived, she was told there was a capacity of 35 people and she would have to wait until someone left. Ms. Johnson did that and other people were still let in before her.

When she questioned this, the school board sent an attorney out to speak with her.

The attorney called her "loud." Ms. Johnson felt this was a coded phrase. It's often used to describe Black people who dare to speak up and express themselves above a certain volume.

Ms. Johnson was eventually allowed to enter the meeting, but the damage was done.

Public meetings are public meetings. Period.

The lowa Association of Black Journalists is disappointed by the decision to prevent Ms. Johnson from doing her job while also using a microaggression against her. Our president had an initial conversation with Ankeny officials, but we want to continue. the dialog with the entire lABJ board.

We look forward to continuing the discussion with Ankeny officials.