The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education’s agenda for last week’s meeting had several items up for discussion: a charitable donation, a presentation on class rank, and multiple resolutions.
But the topic that dominated much of the meeting wasn’t on the agenda: it was community members sharing their gratitude or praise of Nyah Hamlett and her work as superintendent.
Recently, the dissertation of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Superintendent Nyah Hamlett came under fire after an anonymous tip led to an investigative report into potential plagiarism.
In an article published on January 11, the News & Observer said it investigated and checked Hamlett’s 2019 dissertation from the College of William & Mary based on an anonymous tip. The report found 35 instances in the 164-page paper where wording or phrases matched those from sources that lacked proper citation.
Hamlett issued a statement before the story was published, claiming it to be “undue scrutiny” on her dissertation but acknowledging that some citation and phrasing could be updated. The superintendent said she’s submitting the project for another round of review, although she stood by the work William & Mary did to initially approve the paper.
Since then, much of the CHCCS community response has focused on Hamlett’s work in her role at the district – with many expressing their support for her and Black leaders across local schools. It culminated during the latest CHCCS Board of Education meeting, where dozens of people in attendance wore purple to show solidarity with the superintendent.
After sharing its support of Hamlett online earlier in the month, the CHCCS school board used the start of its open meeting to do so again. Chair of the Board Rani Dasi read a statement affirming that the elected officials weigh Hamlett’s work in her two years in charge more heavily than her dissertation.
“The board knows Dr. Hamlett to be an effective, authentic leader,” Dasi said. “As we look at continued attacks on public education, we are so thankful for her leadership, as she continues to focus us all on student outcomes for this district. And that is going to be what we continue to focus on as a board and a district.”
Attendees to the CHCCS Board of Education meeting stood and applauded a statement from the Board of Education in support of Nyah Hamlett on January 19, 2023. Days earlier, Hamlett’s dissertation fell under scrutiny after an anonymous tip led to an investigative report into its validity. (Photo via CHCCS.)
A group of residents and elected officials in the school district also penned an open letter to Chapel Hill and Carrboro in wake of the accusations, calling the efforts an “attack” on Hamlett.
Some of the letter’s authors read excerpts on Thursday night during public comment, including retired CHCCS teacher and mentor Dianne Jackson. She said the article, and the anonymous tip that sparked it, are another example of an “all too familiar pattern” experienced by minority community members.
“Black educators in our town report exaggerated levels of scrutiny and suspicion regarding their academic backgrounds and their work,” read Jackson. “It is not uncommon for principals to get calls from white parents inquiring about the credentials of Black teachers.
“What is going on here,” she continued. “Could it be that our Black leaders are experiencing the same disrespect, low expectations, and suspicions that Black students have experienced for decades?”
Dianne Jackson, a retired educator and volunteer with the CHCCS district, speaks in favor of Nyah Hamlett’s work as superintendent during the public comment period on January 19, 2023. (Photo via CHCCS.)
Retired educators Wanda Hunter and Nancy Duffner, also authors on the letter, shared some parents’ written reactions to their message and the examination of Hamlett’s dissertation.
“Another parent [wrote],” said Hunter, “‘This attack is so classically Chapel Hill. It’s heartbreaking and it’s unsurprising in the same gasping breath.’”
“From a community member,” added Duffner. “‘Please add my name to your insightful letter. I’ve heard nothing by positive comments about Dr. Hamlett’s administration. The anonymous source ought to personally address the community and be accountable for their own research.’”
The N&O’s report also caused some in the Orange County Schools district to speak out against attacks on Black educators and diversity efforts. At its Board of Education meeting a few days later, LaTarndra Strong of the Hate-Free Schools Coalition referenced the scrutiny of Hamlett’s work and said it’s an attempt to “eliminate Black leadership.” Strong said she’s concerned about Orange County Schools’ leadership being challenged too – especially following a contentious election cycle for the school board in 2022.
“Some of the members of our community are committed to a belief of exclusion,” Strong said to board members. “Quite frankly, diversity scares them. This means that Black and brown children, and other marginalized groups, will continue to have difficulty getting the support they need. We cannot let this happen.”
On Thursday, after more than an hour of speakers offering their support of Hamlett, the public comment period was closed. The superintendent then took a moment to thank those in attendance or who had reached out since her dissertation was brought up.
Hamlett said, however, that her focus is continuing to achieve goals in the district’s strategic plan – mentioning she believes there’s a need to “turn our social justice action up a few notches.”
“I ask that we put unnecessary distractions aside,” said Hamlett, “that we stay focused on improving outcomes for every single student in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, that we continue to support one another and be clear about our needs, and that we experience wellness and joy in our work.”
“I’ll share with you what one of my mentors shared with me,” the superintendent added. “We still have work to do, so don’t flinch.’”
Hamlett spoke to 97.9 The Hill about her dissertation and reaction to the News & Observer report on Monday. To hear her full comments, listen here.
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Well, Hamlett’s academic habits are not without precedent. I’m reminded of Michael King’s doctoral thesis from Boston University. https://www.chronicle.com/article/plagiarism-by-martin-luther-king-affirmed-by-scholars-at-boston-u/