Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!americast-post Newsgroups: americast.twt.news From: americast-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: americast-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: King's school speech upsets some parents Date: Sat, 21 Nov 92 17:35:41 EST Message-ID: \SE A \SS (WS) \HD King's school speech upsets some parents \BY ASSOCIATED PRESS \DT TUSTIN, Calif. TUSTIN, Calif. (AP) - Angry parents flooded a high school with calls yesterday protesting a speech by Rodney King to a group of black students, but school district officials said the school did not plan or support the event. King, beaten by white officers in 1991 after a lengthy car chase at speeds up to 110 mph, spoke Wednesday to Tustin High School's African-American Student Alliance. He said he was devastated by the acquittal of four officers charged in his beating. He said the officers, who claimed that King resisted arrest and that they feared he was on drugs, were thugs who should not go unpunished. The officers' acquittal led to deadly riots in Los Angeles. The school began receiving calls from irate parents Thursday morning. By yesterday, the school logged more than 150 calls, said secretary Ester Spence. District officials said King's appearance was not authorized and would not have been had the group asked. Superintendent David Andrews called him a "very controversial" person. Barbara Parkinson, a parent, said many parents in the mixed-race, middle-class suburb felt the King visit was inappropriate. "He broke the law," Miss Parkinson said. "No one wants to see anyone abused, but I certainly don't think he's a role model for our young people." Judy Sampson, the student group's adviser, said that while King's appearance was unplanned, those who attended thought King's message was a gripping and positive one mostly about the benefits of education. "It was great," said 10th grader Lakeesha Cash, vice president of the club. "It really changed my image of him." Milton C. Grimes, the attorney representing King in his civil rights lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles, said he was astounded at the negative reaction. "I just don't understand the outcry or outburst of the people who were against him being there," said Mr. Grimes, who was the invited speaker for the group meeting and took King with him. This article is copyright 1992 The Washington Times. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. For more information, send-email to usa@AmeriCast.COM