Mom Escorted Out Of West Chester School Board Meeting Running As Write-In For Board Seat

WEST CHESTER, PA — A mother who spoke in a July meeting of the West Chester Area School District Board and was escorted out has announced her write-in candidacy for a seat on the Board in Region 3.

Anita Edgarian said in a news statement this week she will run in Region 3 as a write-in candidate. "Reflecting on Labor Day, I believe that it is important to recognize the responsibility that each of us has to serve our community and contribute in positive ways. Therefore, I have chosen today to officially announce my candidacy," she said.

"On July 26, 2021, I attended the monthly West Chester Area School District meeting to express my concerns about the division in our community based on the debate surrounding CRT (Critical Race Theory). I was not for or against CRT, rather I was vocal about the fact that the district was pitting parents against one another and not being transparent about what was happening," Edgarian wrote, concerning the incident.

WCASD Board President Chris McCune had an officer remove Edgarian from the meeting as her remarks became louder and when her time was up and she was told to end her remarks she blasted back, "No!" and continued.

McCune had walked down from his seat and turned off the microphone before telling security to escort Edgarian out of the meeting. The incident evoked calls for McCune's resignation, accusations of bullying, and demands that he withdraw himself from the race for reelection.

Edgarian's announcement this week said, "When I pointed out the truth of the situation, it clearly was not a part of the predetermined 'nice meeting' that the board had in mind. Mr. McCune's attack against me was not for controlling the two-minute time limit, rather it was to control the content of my speech."

McCune has responded to calls for his resignation. He said in recent weeks, "Our public meeting procedures are in place to foster the civil exchange of ideas. At our (July) Board meeting there was a breakdown in this process. There is opportunity for improvement all the way around which includes me. The board is taking appropriate steps that will help avoid unpleasant situations like this in the future."

A change.org petition posted over a month ago calling for McCune to withdraw his candidacy for re-election to WCASD Board in Region 3 aimed for 500 signatures. On Sept. 8 it had 479 signers. McCune has served on the Board of School Directors since 2013 and has been School Board President for the last five years.

After the incident, the West Chester Area School Board issued a statement in support of McCune's action, signed by every Board member.

Edgarian's campaign statement said the School Board wants blind obedience from the community. "Mr. McCune ripping the microphone away while he had already called on the police officers to remove me is a symptom of deeper issues regarding the board. Since then, it has become clear that the dynamic of this board is based on complicity and blind obedience despite their political affiliation. This is a dynamic that our school district cannot afford. The direction and future of 12,000 students and almost 1,800 staff members should not be determined by the board's complicity and silence," her announcement said.

As Edgarian was walked out and was off-camera in the meeting video, she could still be heard calling out her remarks. McCune had returned to his seat and said as he sat down, "Move along, officers please escort her out." He admonished the woman for trying to "monopolize the meeting," calling her behavior "shameful."

There was applause from the audience as the officer escorted her out. In the full YouTube video of the July 26 meeting, the incident happens at 1:52.

"No form of bullying and/or harassment should exist in our board room and certainly not in our schools," Edgarian's statement said. She added, "Our constitutional rights do not end when the board members' feelings get hurt."

Threats were directed toward the board in the weeks that followed the July 26 incident.

The August meeting of the West Chester Area School Board was planned as in-person but had to be made virtual after law enforcement assessed threats made by email and phone. The WCASD announced before the meeting, "The district office has received several threats from out-of-state phone numbers and email addresses. These incidences are being investigated by police and the FBI." Read the full Patch story here.

Edgarian called her removal from the meeting "retaliation" in her statement and urged District voters to stand with her in setting an example.

"It is our duty as voters to set an example to our children, parents, teachers, and staff that standing up for their rights comes with no retaliation. I am taking on this challenge knowing that this 'campaign is already a winner' for bringing so many of you to be more involved and engaged in our school system," she said.

"My pledge to the voters in Region 3 is that I will always listen respectfully to your concerns and suggestions. I will provide a voice for those who are afraid or uncomfortable to take a stand. I, Anita Edgarian, vow to protect our students and put an end to these disdainful board meetings."

McCune said as the current school board president, he remains focused on prioritizing student achievement and fiscal responsibility. "WCASD is the lowest tax district in the county and ranks consistently in the top 5-10 percent academically across the state and nation. My focus is on bringing people together for the betterment of our school district and the future of children. My hope is that WCASD community will rise above those who seek to divide us."

"Education should not be political," he added. Read the full Patch story about calls for McCune's resignation here.

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