TULALIP — A growing number of minority group leaders gathered today to condemn remarks made by Marysville School Board member Michael Kundu.
Kundu connected learning ability to racial genetics in e-mails sent June 3 and 7 to fellow board members and school administrators.
The Tulalip Tribes, the Lummi Nation, the Washington state branch of the NAACP and others said today the remarks raised doubts about Kundu’s ability to serve the district’s children.
They characterized his comments as antiquated and racist.
“This idea could very easily creep back out into the mainstream,” said Oscar Eason, president of the Washington state branch of the NAACP. “… We want to put an end to this right away.”
The Tulalip Tribes hosted the gathering. All faulted Kundu’s remarks and some, including the Tulalips, called for his resignation.
“When those types of statements are made — and how offensive they are — it galvanizes people,” said Tulalip tribal chairman Mel Sheldon.
Kundu cited an unproven theory as he discussed with other board members the achievement gap — the way some minorities lag behind their peers in school.
“There is a definitive factor played by racial genetics in intellectual achievement,” Kundu wrote.
Kundu, 45, did not immediately return a call today for comment.
He has said he was trying to start a debate on closing the achievement gap and will not resign. He was re-elected in November to a four-year term.
The Tulalip Tribes intends to meet at 5 tonight with the Marysville School Board, before the board’s 6:30 p.m. meeting.
Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455; arathbun@heraldnet.com
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