A message from Madame President on Ankeny schools
It takes so much strength and courage to do what Lauren Johnson did. Ms. Johnson, a Black female journalist, publicly shared her recent experience with the Ankeny School District. As you all know, she was assigned by her employer to cover a school board meeting about the district's decision to remove a posting for a position that addresses diversity, equity, and inclusivity. The representatives involved attempted to restrict her access as part of the media and used micro-aggressive behavior to prevent her from doing her job on a strict deadline.
Lauren is talented, well-respected and an all-around professional. She is also a credible Black female journalist. Unfortunately, Lauren's story is one of many our chapter is aware of. We have all witnessed the same behavior toward lowa Native Nikole Hannah-Jones, editor of the Pulitzer Prize-winning "The 1619 Project." During my time covering news in lowa-and while serving as the Founder and President of IABJ I have witnessed Black journalists constantly threatened, harassed, and so much more.
These situations will break your heart to hear about, but this is OUR reality. Many Black journalists in lowa have taken more than a month off of work to protect their mental health as a result of such mistreatment.
This must end.
I want to acknowledge the Ankeny School District for re-issuing a public statement addressing what happened during the meeting and, more importantly, directly apologizing to Ms. Johnson.
I believe in transparency. I had a healthy conversation with the PIO of Ankeny School's about Lauren's situation after Lauren shared her traumatic experience in an agonziging Twitter thread. I suggested Ankeny provide a statement to us, the public, and also meet with the lAB] Board in-person to continue the conversation.
This statement from the Ankeny School District was sent to me on April 5th: "The Ankeny Community School District prioritizes providing clear, accurate, and quality communication with the public. As such, we work to assist the news media and help facilitate the flow of information.”
Our school board room has a capacity of 35 attendees per fire code. At last night's board meeting, we experienced an unexpected number of attendees with more than 50 people waiting to obtain entrance to the meeting. Meeting attendees and members of the media were asked to wait in the lobby until following a presentation from our Copan exchange program and would then be allowed one entry into the room for one exit from the room.
Unfortunately, our members of the media expressed an experience we would not want for anyone attending a board meeting.
In reviewing our protocols, Ankeny Schools will reserve a space for the news media at future board meetings and work with district staff on creating a welcoming environment.
“Additionally, we are identifying larger venues for meetings with an anticipated increased attendance. The district is committed to maintaining a professional working relationship with members of the media, and we will work to ensure they have the access they need to accurately report on district matters to the public."
I appreciated the attempt, but did not feel this was a sincere statement for the following reasons:
There was no direct and formal apology to Lauren Johnson.
The phrase, "Unfortunately, our members of the media expressed an experience we would not want for anyone attending a board meeting," is inaccurate because Lauren Johnson was the ONLY member of the media who was present to cover the school board meeting. No other media outlet was present.
Most people did not see this statement, because it was NOT public. You had to request it to see this initial statement.
I once again, expressed my concerns on how the district is addressing Lauren's situation and now we all can see the new statement is public.
Again, I appreciate Ankeny Schools for privately apologizing to Lauren and KCCI News Director Allison Smith.
However, it took another phone call for them to do what was right in my eyes, which was to share something publicly.
IABJ is scheduled to meet with Ankeny Superintendent Dr. Erick Pruitt and his staff next week to address our concerns. However, we also hope to have a healthy conversation to ensure this never happens again.
At this time, please give Lauren Johnson the privacy she needs to heal from this traumatic experience.
We also ask ALL Journalists of Color to reach out to lABJ or NABJ if you need our assistance.
Thank you,
Madame President
Tisia Muzinga
lowa Association of Black Journalists
