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NAACP threatening action over 'racial inequalities' in Gateway School District

MONROEVILLE, Pa. — In the Gateway School District, the NAACP is threatening action over what it deems racial inequalities.

“We have no confidence in this school board,” said Ken Huston, local president of the NAACP Allegheny East chapter.

He represents the Gateway school community and parents stood behind him Wednesday night, calling out the school board’s decision last week when tempers flared after members voted to only hire a part-time equity director, not a full-time one.

“There's a strong opposition by school administration to not have equity. They don't believe there's a gap. Period,” Huston said.

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Former school board member Robert Elms also stood with chapter members and provided Channel 11 with research showing the gap.

For example, during the 2015-16 school year, 73 percent of white students at University Park passed the math exams, while only 42 percent of black students did.

“There's no reason why black students shouldn't be just as well doing things as white students,” Elms said.

School leaders Channel 11 reached out to didn’t respond with any kind of comment.

The local chapter says they are also exploring legal options to see if any civil suits should be filed.

Parents tell Channel 11 they’re hoping the school board changes its mind.