Hanson’s no civil rights leader

I was stunned to read Lemarr Treadwell’s letter Aug. 25, proclaiming Fresno Unified School District Superintendent Michael Hanson as the greatest civil rights leader of the 21st century in Fresno. Truly, Gaston Middle School is a long-awaited blessing for our friends in southwest Fresno, but building a school seems to set the bar fairly low for such an honorable title.

Based on the ruling against Fresno Unified over the lease-leaseback agreement for Gaston Middle School, the long and cozy relationship between Supt. Hanson, Ruth Quinto, and Richard Spencer of Harris Construction, and the blatant disregard for the law in regard to Brown Act violations, I question whether Supt. Hanson’s motives for building Gaston were so altruistic.

I’ve known Mr. Treadwell for many years. He is an intelligent, caring, teaching professional. We are all entitled to our opinions. I respectfully disagree with his.

This story was originally published September 4, 2015 at 10:12 AM with the headline "Hanson’s no civil rights leader."