Durham County to seek outside guidance on ‘all issues’ in manager’s accusation of racism

This story was updated at 10:05 a.m. Feb. 26, 2020.

The Durham County Board of Commissioners will investigate an incident in which the county manager accused a county commissioner of racism.

In a letter dated Feb. 11, County Manager Wendell M. Davis, who is black, said Commissioner Heidi Carter, who is white, harbors “an inherent bias” toward him and “people of color in general.” Davis’ accusation grew out of a remark Carter made over public school funding at a commissioners meeting earlier this month.

On Monday, the board heard public comment on the matter. Chairwoman Wendy Jacobs had tried to take the board into closed session at the very beginning of the meeting, but the commissioners decided to hear public comment first.

After hearing from more than 10 people, all condemning Carter, and many calling for an investigation, the board went into closed session for about 45 minutes.

When the commissioners came back into open session, Jacobs announced that the board will contact the N.C. Association of County Commissioners to ask for recommendations for outside counsel to advise the board on how to proceed with an investigation into the matter. The board will also consult with the UNC School of Government and the International City-County Management Association.

Jacobs said she expects to have recommendations by the board’s next meeting, March 2.

The board’s chambers were filled to overflowing for the meeting and there was extra security on hand. There were also numerous interruptions from the audience, but Jacobs never moved to clear the room.

After the meeting was adjourned, Carter left with an escort from the Sheriff’s Office. (Update: On Wednesday, Carter and the Sheriff’s Office told The News & Observer that she did not ask for the escort and that the decision was made by a deputy at the meeting, who asked if he could walk her to her car.)

Carter responds to the allegations

After the public comment portion of the meeting concluded, Carter responded to the criticism, saying: “I’ve listened to you carefully tonight, and I want you to know that I hear your concerns, and I take everything I hear very seriously. But I also want to respond briefly to some of the things you’ve said, to the allegations.

“I am deeply disturbed and disappointed that the manager did not come to me individually, nor did he ask to meet with the board in closed session about any of these matters,” she said. “I am very concerned that this county manager, or any county manager, would make these harsh unsupported accusations and in such a public way two weeks before the election.”

Carter said she did not intend to diminish Davis’ leadership or show disrespect.

“If that was the impact of any of my messages, please know that I did not intend them that way,” she said. “Rather, my intent was to express my concern as relates to some operation of county government. In this case being my concern related the urgent Durham Public Schools facilities needs.

“But I want to be clear. And it is important to my integrity that I say this: I unequivocally deny the misquotes in the letter, and that my actions were racially motivated. That is simply not true. My relentless and passionate advocacy for our schoolchildren is because I believe public education is the place where we actually have the greatest opportunity to address racial inequities.”

As Carter spoke, there were boos and calls to apologize from the audience, as well as shushes.

Jacobs said she didn’t believe Carter meant to make any racist statements. “I just wish that we had been able to address this in a different way,” Jacobs said. “I acknowledge that our manager has had his feelings hurt.”

“Durham’s ‘Brett Kavanaugh moment’”

During the public comment period of the meeting, former Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People Chairwoman Lavonia Allison accused Jacobs and Commissioner Ellen Reckhow of racism as well, saying they don’t realize their own racism.

Former Durham Public Schools board member Jackie Wagstaff served with Carter on that board before Carter was elected to be a county commissioner. “We understand that black lives matter, and we will not stand for it,” Wagstaff said. “I understand exactly what Mr. Davis wrote, and I wish I wrote it.”

Brian Callaway called the matter Durham’s “Brett Kavanaugh moment,” referring to the Supreme Court justice whose confirmation process was clouded by accusations of sexual misconduct. “It is very disturbing to see the person bringing forth accusations to be attacked,” Callaway said.

Carl Kenney echoed Callaway’s sentiments, saying, “You should never disrespect or discredit the claims of a hurting person. That’s the game the Republicans play in D.C. to protect the authority of a power-crazed president.”

In Davis’ letter, he cites several instances where he felt racist language was used in his presence, including Carter telling the manager that he works for the board, “and when we tell you to do something, you’d better grin and bear it,” and remarking on how an African American woman with a Ph.D. who spoke at a meeting was articulate.

The manager and school board have clashed in recent years with Davis recommending less county funding than the board has requested, citing declining enrollment and a persistent achievement gap.

Carter has also questioned the timing of Davis’ letter, which comes as she is running for re-election.

This story was originally published February 25, 2020 at 8:24 AM.