Public Media from Michigan State University

Brighton charter school flap demonstrates public-private tension

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Last weekend in Brighton, Michigan, an opponent of a proposed charter school in that community was arrested. His infraction was his refusal to leave an  “invitation only” meeting involving charter school supporters. Michigan charter schools receive public funding amounting to  nearly $1-billion a year and are subject to oversight by the Michigan Department of Education. Glenn Ikens insists that as a Brighton resident and a taxpayer, it entitles him to attend such meetings.Apparently, after giving Ikens some time to reconsider, meeting organizers got the police to intervene because they feared he would create a disturbance at the gathering, which was held on private property. Ikens was arrested for trespassing and taken to the Livingston County Jail. He was released after posting bail of $500.

Current State host Mark Bashore talks with Glenn Ikens, along with Jay McNally, a spokesman for the Livingston Classical Academy charter school.

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