John Bussian RALEIGH, NC 27601

Ongoing coverage of N.C. General Assembly

ONLINE and health care, reforming state ABC

FOR DAILY UPDATES VISIT CAROLINAJOURNAL.COM

AN AWARD-WINNING JOURNAL OF NEWS, ANALYSIS, AND OPINION FROM THE JOHN LOCKE FOUNDATION CAROLINAJOURNAL.COM VOL. 28 • NO. 5 • MAY 2019 • STATEWIDE EDITION A PUBLIC DECISION SCHOOL CHOICE HAS A LONG HISTORY IN NORTH CAROLINA

LINDSAY MARCHELLO ASSOCIATE EDITOR

aleigh Charter High School is one of the top schools in the country, but it’s not what one would call a typical public school. RThe school doesn’t have a caf- eteria or an auditorium. Students don’t have a gym or sports facilities, though students can still participate in athletic activities at a neighbor- ing park. The school building itself on Glenwood Avenue is fairly dat- ed; it certainly isn’t what someone would call a 21st-century, state-of- the-art facility. Yet despite all real or perceived — or esthetic — shortcomings, students at Raleigh Charter are performing better than most students in the state. Supporters of school choice say it’s that choice that empowers parents to pick the best place for their children to attend school. Critics argue school-choice programs, like charter schools, siphon money and resources from traditional public schools. The Republican Party enjoyed a veto-proof supermajority in the General Assembly for years, and CJ PHOTO BY DON CARRINGTON DON BY PHOTO CJ SCHOOL CHOICE IN N.C. Lisa Huddleston, principal at Raleigh Charter High School, which ranks among the best high schools in the state and nation. continued PAGE 10

CAROLINA JOURNAL Interview: 200 W. MORGAN STREET, #200 John Bussian RALEIGH, NC 27601

Renowned lawyer CJ ONLINE

PERMIT NO. 302 NO. PERMIT discusses defending the

DURHAM, NC DURHAM, First Amendment jlf.carolina.journal

PAID @carolinajournal

U.S. POSTAGE U.S. PAGE 19 NONPROFIT ORG. NONPROFIT www.carolinajournal.com [email protected]

GET MORE CAROLINA JOURNAL 2 CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019 CAROLINA JOURNAL INSURANCE REFORM COMPARISONS What is it? What would it do? Who likes it? Who doesn’t? Potential fate?

Add roughly 600,000 people to »» Gov. Roy Cooper »» Legislative Republicans In Cooper’s budget plan. His Medicaid state Medicaid rolls by enrolling legislative liaison Lee Lilley said »» legislative Democrats »» Hospitals (possibly; they EDITOR-IN-CHIEF every resident making less than in Feburary, “The session ends expansion » oppose provider fees) Rick Henderson 138% of the federal poverty line. » liberal advocacy groups when we get Medicaid expan- Federal taxes would cover 90% »» Small employers sion.” Senate leader Phil Berg- @deregulator of the cost of new enrollees. er, R-Rockingham, and other Re- »» Free-market groups Backers say remainder would be publicans have rejected full ex- MANAGING EDITOR covered by fees on hospitals and pansion. Other Republicans John Trump other medical providers. have said reforms shifting Med- @stillnbarrel icaid to a managed-care model should take effect before con- EXECUTIVE EDITOR sidering any expansion. Don Carrington [email protected] Similar to Medicaid expansion »» Some legislative »» Cooper House Bill 655, introduced in N.C. with a few exceptions. Able-bod- Republicans, mainly from early April. Could be in House ASSOCIATE EDITORS »» Democrats ied adults would have to satis- rural areas 2019-21 budget plan, to be pre- Mitch Kokai Healthcare fy a work requirement. Enrollees »» Liberal advocacy groups sented after press time. Poten- »» N.C. Healthcare @mitchkokai covered by the expansion would tial bargaining chip if governor Association (lobbying for Working have to pay 2% of income as and legislature remain at com- Lindsay Marchello group largely funded by premiums. Rest of costs paid by plete standstill on budget talks @LynnMarch007 hospitals) Families Act hospital/provider fees. late this year. Kari Travis @karilynntravis Membership organizations such »» All Republican and some »» Cooper Senate Bill 86, Small Business Dan Way Association as chambers of commerce or Democratic senators Healthcare Act, passed Sen- »» Democrats @danway_carolina professional groups and self-em- ate in March, 38-8. Some House »» some House members Health Plans ployed residents could band to- »» Liberal advocacy groups members want to limit the flex- from both parties DESIGNER gether and offer health insur- ibility of the plans, which AHP »» Hospitals (possibly) Greg de Deugd ance coverage at group rates, »» Advocacy groups backing backers say would make them with premiums paid with pre-tax small employers cost more. Senate and House [email protected] dollars. Plans could avoid some may have to compromise on fi- »» Free-market grass-roots Affordable Care Act coverage nal version. Cooper may veto, groups. PUBLISHED BY mandates. A National Confer- with an override uncertain. ence of State Legislatures report suggests AHPs could cut insurance costs by 8% to 18%.

The John Locke Foundation HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY POLL OF NORTH CAROLINIANS ● APPROVE ● DISAPPROVE ● DON’T KNOW/REFUSE 200 W. Morgan St., # 200 Raleigh, N.C. 27601 Do you (919) 828-3876 • Fax: 821-5117 www.JohnLocke.org approve or Kory Swanson disapprove President & Publisher of the way 40% 41% 19% John Hood that _____ 52% 8% 30% 29% 59% 22% Chairman is handling Bill Graham, John M. Hood Ted Hicks, Christine Mele their job? DONALD TRUMP ROY COOPER CONGRESS Brad Muller, Paul Slobodian David Stover, J.M Bryan Taylor The HPU Survey Research Center surveyed 841 adults, including 655 registered voters, between March 29 and April 4. Respondents answered questions either online or on the phone with a live interviewer. The credibility interval is plus or minus 4.4%. Edwin Thomas Board of Directors COMMENTARY BY JOHN HOOD ISSN 2578-8167 Carolina Journal is a monthly journal of news, analysis, Snakes Alive! and commentary on state and local government and public policy issues The percent of North Carolina residents who said the Train and pay in North Carolina. following risks make them feel very unsafe: ©2019 by The John Locke Foundation principals wisely Inc. All opinions expressed in bylined SHOOTINGS IN PUBLIC PLACES articles are those of the authors and 37% do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors of CJ or the staff and TERRORISM 33% board of the John Locke Foundation. believe the leadership ability tions: 1) the quality of principals Material published herein may be re- and management practices of is measurable and variable, 2) printed as long as appropriate credit WALKING ON ROADS WITH NO SIDEWALKS 32% is given. Submissions and letters are school principals have a large quality isn’t simply a reflection of welcome and should be directed to SNAKES 29% effect on how well teachers teach how long principals have been on the editor. Iand students learn. But I admit the job, and 3) principal quality is to being biased on the matter: linked to educational outcomes. To subscribe, call 919-828-3876. TORNADOES 28% Readers also can request Carolina My late father spent most of his Few missions will be as im- Journal Weekly Report, delivered career as a principal in the Char- portant, and as challenging, as each weekend by e-mail, or visit FIRE INSIDE BUILDINGS 28% CarolinaJournal.com for news, links, lotte-Mecklenburg school system. preparing the next generation of and exclusive content updated each HEALTHCARE COSTS 27% Still, I base my belief on more principals to lead North Caroli- weekday. Those interested in educa- than just filial piety. Although na’s schools. It should begin with tion, economics, higher education, health care or local government also CONTAMINATED WATER 27% there aren’t as many formal active recruitment of promising can ask to receive weekly e-letters studies of principal effectiveness candidates. The training should covering these issues. SHARKS 23% as there are of teacher effective- be rigorous and relevant. It should ness, most of the research to date see HOOD PAGE 21 Elon University Poll was conducted in partnership with the News & Observer and the Herald-Sun. Between March 30 and supports the following proposi- April 1, 1,489 people partook in an online opt-in survey provided by Lucid LLC. The credibility interval is plus or minus 2.7%. CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019 3 QUICK TAKES

Woodhouse, Hayes out in State audit finds $100 million shakeup of N.C. GOP leadership in Medicaid errors at DHHS

allas Woodhouse, former TV reporter and grass-roots ac- tivist, announced April 15 that he would leave his position as Dexecutive director of the N.C. Re- publican Party after the party’s state convention in June. This comes after state party Chairman Robin Hayes announced he had relinquished most of his day-to-day duties of managing the NCGOP to other constitutional officers. “My contract expires at the end CJ PHOTO BY DAN WAY DAN BY PHOTO CJ of the state convention. With the $100 MILLION IN ERRORS. State Auditor Beth Wood at a Local Govern- election of a new State Chair, and ment Commission meeting in January. after four challenging years, a tenure longer than most in this post, I THE STATE am moving on,” Woodhouse wrote Department of Health “As a result, the Department in a text to WRAL News. and Human Services improper- overpaid an estimated $71.7 mil- The NCGOP’s executive com- ly paid more than $100 million lion that could have been used mittee met April 14 to discuss in Medicaid claims during fis- to provide additional services to Woodhouse’s future with the par- WAY DAN BY PHOTO CJ cal year 2018, State Auditor Beth other eligible beneficiaries or re- ty. Acting state party Chairman GOP SHAKEUP. Dallas Woodhouse, N.C. Republican Party executive director, Wood reported. duce overall program costs,” the speaks during a Jan. 21 news conference in Raleigh. Aubrey Woodard said Woodhouse An audit released April 8 audit stated. would stay through June 15. highlighted a series of errors and Errors resulted from clerical Hayes was indicted, along with weaknesses in DHHS operations. mistakes and inadequate docu- megadonor Greg Lindberg and two Some were repeat findings from mentation. The same findings of Lindberg’s associates, sever- the State Board of Elections con- earlier audits and weren’t cor- were noted in a 2017 statewide al weeks ago in an alleged bribery ducted a four-day evidentiary hear- rected despite recommendations audit. scandal targeting state Insurance ing into allegations of illegal tam- My contract expires from the auditor. Auditors recommended that Commissioner Mike Causey. Cau- pering and manipulating of ab- at the end of the state Auditors noted the overpay- DHHS management analyze sey cooperated with federal inves- sentee ballots by a contractor who convention. With the ments to providers, along with each error and implement cor- tigators. The four defendants have worked for the Harris campaign. benefits paid to ineligible recip- rections immediately. pleaded not guilty. The board voted unanimously election of a new State ients, reduced the money avail- The audit also cited DHHS Woodhouse has said he testi- in February to order a new election. Chair, and after four able to pay for Medicaid recipi- for a projected $29.1 million in fied in December before the -feder It’s scheduled Sept. 10. Ten Repub- challenging years, a ents’ services. Medicaid payments for ineligi- al grand jury investigating the al- licans will seek the GOP nomina- The department processed ble beneficiaries resulting from leged scheme. He wasn’t indicted tion in a May 14 primary. The win- tenure longer than more than 84 million payments incorrect and inadequately doc- and has said he isn’t a subject or ner will face Democrat Dan Mc- most in this post, I am totaling $7.93 billion in 2018. umented eligibility determina- target of the probe. Cready, who trailed Harris by 905 moving on. Auditors’ samples found some tions. The party also is still recovering votes on election night, and Liber- claims lacked documentation to The same finding also was from the election fraud scandal in tarian Jeff Scott, who finished third show the services were rendered. documented in the 2017 state- - Dallas Woodhouse the 9th U.S. Congressional District. in November, along with Green Par- Others contained medical coding wide audit. Executive Director The Rev. Mark Harris, a Republican ty candidate Allen Smith. errors, which resulted in under- N.C. Republican Party and the apparent winner of the No- payments. Dan Way vember election, withdrew after CJ staff

A power-hungry president, a constitutional crisis, and a democracy in peril…

President Jerome Elliott was elected with overwhelming support from the American people. His populist platform and soaring promises captivated voters. But now, after a series of increasingly unorthodox policy decisions and suspicions of sinister motives, a shadow gathers over the White House. When thirty-four state governors call for a constitutional convention to reform the federal government, Elliott fears losing control. In a desperate attempt to maintain power, he orders the revered 82nd Airborne Division to march on the convention and arrest its participants as domestic insurgents. The Georgia National Guard mobilizes to stop them, and the two forces clash in the small town of Madison. These actions echo across the nation, polarizing the populace and threatening to erupt into violence between the people and their government. Meanwhile, television reporters Nicole Marcel and Luke Harper race to discover the truth behind the president’s actions, while United Nations investigator Percy Leach digs deep into Elliott’s past. Chasing facts and whispers alike, they uncover the roots of dark truths that, if realized, risk sundering the very fabric of American democracy. Available from Ingram Book Group. For orders call 800-937-8000. Also available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers. www.AperturePress.net 4 CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019 QUICK TAKES Cooper vetoes ‘born Golden LEAF head Gerlach alive’ bill; pro-life named interim chancellor at ECU DAN GERLACH has been named in- get and Tax Center and worked as a terim chancellor of East Carolina senior adviser to Democratic Gov. groups fire back University. Mike Easley, who pleaded guilty in Gerlach was chosen by Interim 2010 to a felony for campaign fi- UNC System President Dr. Bill Rop- nance violations. er. On May 6, Gerlach will replace Gerlach has served on more ECU Chancellor Cecil Staton, who than a dozen commissions and announced his resignation in March boards. He is currently a member of after months of discussions with the MyFutureNC Commission and leaders of the UNC System. the NC Early Childhood Education “It is an honor and privilege to board. be asked to serve in this role at East Gerlach is also a member of Rop- Carolina University,” Gerlach said. er’s transition team, assisting with “ECU provides more opportunity Roper’s move into office after the for rural North Carolinians than any departure of former UNC President other institution, and I look forward Margaret Spellings. to working with the entire ECU “Dan Gerlach has been a tre- community to meet the needs of CARRINGTON DON BY PHOTO CJ mendous advocate for higher edu- our students, their families, and the INTERIM CHANCELLOR OF ECU. Dan cation and eastern North Carolina Gerlach was chosen by Interim UNC communities that look to this great for more than a decade,” Roper said. System President Dr. Bill Roper. university for inspiration and lead- “I know Dan will work in lock-step ership. It’s a great day to join the Pi- with the strong leadership team at rate Nation.” pendent and economically affected East Carolina, which includes the Gerlach has been president of communities.” ECU Board of Trustees, the UNC the Golden LEAF Foundation since The fund has generated contro- Board of Governors, faculty, staff 2008. versy over time, as some lawmakers and students, alumni and the entire The foundation was established and fiscal conservatives have - ar East Carolina community.

CJ PHOTO BY DON CARRINGTON DON BY PHOTO CJ in 1999 to distribute half of North gued the tobacco settlement mon- “With his exemplary record of DRAWING WRATH. Gov. Roy Cooper angered pro-life supporters when he Carolina’s share of the Master Set- ey either should go to the General service and leadership, he is the vetoed Senate Bill 359, “Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.” tlement Agreement with tobacco Fund or be rebated to taxpayers. ideal candidate to lead ECU going Cooper’s action marked the first veto of the current legislative session. companies. Before Gerlach was appointed forward.” Golden LEAF funding provides to head Golden LEAF, he was a poli- grants to projects in “tobacco-de- cy analyst for the left-leaning Bud- Kari Travis ov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, Joyce Krawiec, R-Forsyth, and drew the wrath of pro-life Rep. Pat McElraft, R-Carteret, supporters April 18, when said: “Caring for a living, breath- Citing tough regulations, top electric he vetoed Senate Bill 359, “Born- ing, newborn infant is too restric- GAlive Abortion Survivors Protec- tive for Governor Cooper’s radi- tion Act.” cal abortion agenda. We thought scooter companies are leaving Raleigh The bill would have required Democrats would agree that chil- medical professionals to provide dren born alive should be separate ELECTRIC SCOOTER the same treatment to babies from the abortion debate, but it’s companies the city by March 26, the deadline Initially Bird and Lime were go- who survive an abortion proce- clear that they want the ‘right to Bird and Lime announced March imposed by the Raleigh City Coun- ing to stay in Raleigh and follow the dure that they give to other in- choose’ to even extend past birth. 28 they were leaving Raleigh, cit- cil. A city spokeswoman told the rules, though Bird added a $2 trans- fants. This is a sad day for North Caroli- ing city regulations as the driving News & Observer that Bolt, Gotcha, portation fee to their rides in re- Cooper’s action marked the na.” force. Lyft, Spin, and VeoRide submitted sponse to the City Council rules. first veto of the current legisla- In a press release titled “Gov. In statements to WRAL News, proposals to operate e-scooters in tive session, and Cooper’s 29th Cooper vetoes babies,” N.C. Values the e-scooter companies said they the city. Lindsay Marchello overall. The Republican-led Gen- Coalition Executive Director Tami would be leaving North Carolina’s E-scooters began appearing in eral Assembly has overridden 23 Fitzgerald said, “Our coalition of capital. the city last summer, even though of his 28 earlier vetoes. pro-life advocates will gather our “Our time in Raleigh must come Bird and Lime hadn’t consult- In a news release, Cooper said, supporters in Raleigh and encour- to a close, but we hope to return in ed with Raleigh officials. Council “Laws already protect newborn age the General Assembly to over- the future when city officials are members imposed a series of reg- babies, and this bill is an unneces- ride this murderous action.” ready to be more amenable to our ulations including fees of $300 per sary interference between doctors It’s unclear if backers of S.B. business and industry as well as the e-scooter in addition to application and their patients. This needless 359 can gather enough support to needs of their constituents,” Sam and administrative fees. Companies legislation would criminalize doc- override. The bill passed the Sen- Reed, a spokesman for Bird, told had to offer between 50 and 500 tors and other health care provid- ate one vote shy of the 60-percent WRAL. e-scooters, provide monthly reports ers for a practice that simply does threshold needed to reject a ve- Bird planned to end operations to the city, adopt diverse payment not exist.” to; the House passed the measure by April 30. Lime hadn’t set a depar- options for low-income riders, and Republican leaders and so- with 58-percent support. ture date. deploy 20 percent of their e-scoot- cial conservative groups react- The two companies failed to ers in city-designated “Communi- ed quickly. In a statement, Sen. Rick Henderson submit their proposals to work with ties of Concern.”

www.carolinajournal.com CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019 5 QUICK TAKES Audit: TransPark finances open to corruption

BY DON CARRINGTON

scathing report from N.C. State Auditor Beth Wood released April 24 found the accounting methods used by the AN.C. Global TransPark Authority were so bad that “fraud could occur and go undetected.” The executive director of the GTP during the audit period, Allen Thomas, is a Democratic primary candidate for the open seat in the 3rd U.S. Congressional District. The primary election was scheduled April 30. CJ PHOTO BY DON CARRINGTON DON BY PHOTO CJ CARRINGTON DON BY PHOTO CJ The audit covered the fiscal year Allen Thomas, in 2017. Spirit AeroSystems, the largest tenant of the Global TransPark. ending June 30, 2018. Thomas became head of the GTP in July 2017 and resigned March 25 before the audit was complete. financial statements didn’t match management the correct amount. As a result of the poor manage- and board oversight. Auditors found a lack of man- accounting records, and manage- Auditors also said GTP management, the auditors concluded infor- The 3rd District seat became agement oversight and cooperation ment couldn’t explain the differenc- ment failed to cooperate fully with mation about the authority’s finan- open after the death of Rep. Wal- led to inadequate internal controls es. An entry for $454,407 was re- the audit process. Specifically, it cial condition is misleading and that ter Jones. Thomas served as may- over financial reporting and signif- corded to balance financial state- failed to provide all financial state- fraud could occur and go undetect- or of Greenville from 2011 to July icant misstatements. “The Execu- ments, but management wasn’t able ments until Feb. 14, 2019, 146 days ed. 2017, when he joined the GTP staff. tive Director and Controller (man- to provide a basis for the entry. Op- later than promised. Release of the The audit report included a re- Thomas didn’t respond to a Carolina agement) did not implement a prop- erating expenses were overstated by audit report was delayed because sponse from GTP Interim Executive Journal email request for comment er system of internal control to en- $1,268,205, or 75 percent of the final management didn’t respond to au- Director Richard Barkes and Chair- on the audit. sure the financial statements were audited balances. Beginning balanc- ditors’ repeated communications. man David Howard. They concurred The TransPark is administra- accurate and complete.” es were misstated by $89,893, even Management also failed to inform with Wood’s findings and recom- tively housed in the N.C. Depart- Specifically, auditors found the though the state controller provided auditors that Thomas had resigned. mendations for better management ment of Transportation.

Public Affairs, Policy Issues & Perceptive Commentary

See refreshing, balanced conversations about timely topics facing North Carolina and the nation on FRONT ROW with Marc Rotterman. By bringing together his insider experience, keen mind and key contacts (including elected officials, policy makers and journalists), Marc and his guests explore important issues about policy and public affairs during each lively episode.

Catch FRONT ROW— Five Times a Week! UNC-TV: Fridays, at 8:30 PM • Sundays, at Noon North Carolina Channel: Fridays, at 9 PM • Saturdays, at 4 PM Sundays, at 9:30 AM Online anytime at unc.tv/frontrow 6 CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019 COURTS Selections of Young, Brook give Democrats 8-7 edge on state Court of Appeals

BY DAN WAY Easley’s flight records were un- media obtaining Easley’s personal der intense scrutiny in 2010 af- emails, even if Easley violated man- ov. Roy Cooper has reconfig- ter CJ and others reported cam- datory disclosure laws. Wake Coun- ured the N.C. Court of Appeals paign donors were flying him on pri- ty Superior Court Judge Howard into an 8-7 Democratic ma- vate planes and weren’t being re- Manning ruled against Cooper’s ar- jority with his latest two appoint- imbursed. (These gument the media Gments. amounted to unre- had no standing to Cooper, a Democrat, announced ported campaign seek the public re- April 15 that he appointed Demo- contributions.) Ea- cords. crats Reuben Young and Christo- sley also got a The work of Young, chief pher Brook to fill two seats on the $137,000 cash dis- the North deputy secretary second-highest court in the state. count at closing Carolina Court for adult correc- With a 6-1 Democratic edge on the when he bought a tions and juve- state Supreme Court, Democrats coastal lot in Bogue of Appeals nile justice at the now have voting control of both of Sound. His wife, must instill N.C. Department North Carolina’s statewide appellate Mary, got a six-fig- confidence of Public Safe- courts. ure salary at N.C. in the people ty, served for five Young and Brook replace Judg- State University for years as a Superior es Bob Hunter, a Republican, who a job requiring little of our state, Court special judge had to step down after reaching the work. The univer- reminding them and as secretary of state’s mandatory retirement age of sity chancellor and Public Safety. CJ FILE PHOTO FILE CJ they live within 72, and Democrat Mark Davis, who provost lost their Brook is le- NEW APPOINTMENTS. Court of Appeals nominee Reuben Young, pictured a fair and just Cooper elevated to the state Su- here in 2010. jobs because of it. gal director of the preme Court in March. Young testified society. American Civil Davis filled the Supreme Court at a court-ordered Liberties Union of vacancy created when former Re- deposition he didn’t - Gov. Roy Cooper North Carolina. He publican Chief Justice Mark Mar- “These appointees will bring exten- lead plaintiff’s attorney in political know the governor previously served tin resigned to become dean of sive legal experience to their ser- lawsuits against the Republican-led used a private email as a staff attorney the law school at Regent Universi- vice on the court.” General Assembly, and the other is account to conduct for the Southern ty in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Coo- Senate leader Phil Berger, a former Gov. [Bev] Perdue staff- state business. Nor did Young know Coalition for Social Justice and as per named Democratic Justice Cheri R-Rockingham, wasted no time er who was first put on the judicia- about an order for staff to delete an attorney in private practice. Beasley to succeed Martin as chief criticizing Cooper’s appointments. ry during the heavily criticized mid- emails sent to and from that ad- The Court of Appeals is the justice. “Governor Cooper continues to night appointments at the very end dress. Young said he paid no atten- state’s intermediate appellate court. Beasley, Davis, Young, and demonstrate that his previous calls of Perdue’s tenure,” Berger said. tion to who was sending and receiv- Its 15 judges serve eight-year terms. Brook would have to stand for elec- for a nonpartisan judiciary were While serving as chief le- ing emails when he reviewed mes- Three-member panels hear appeals tion in November 2020 if they wish just empty political rhetoric. Gov. gal counsel for former Democratic sages as part of open-records re- from lower trial courts but rule on- to serve full eight-year terms. Cooper continues to pack the court Gov. Mike Easley, Young was a cen- quests. He had more than 30 memo- ly on whether errors of law or le- “The work of the North Carolina with partisan Democrats who will tral figure in a public-records - law ry lapses during the deposition. gal procedure occurred. They don’t Court of Appeals must instill confi- rubber-stamp his will,” Berger said suit filed by several media organi- Cooper, who takes credit for re- question the facts of a case. Some dence in the people of our state, re- in a written statement. zations, including Carolina Journal. writing the state’s public-records state administrative agencies file minding them they live within a “One appointee is the legal di- Easley later pleaded guilty to an un- laws, was attorney general at the appeals directly to the Court of Ap- fair and just society,” Cooper said. rector of the ACLU and has been the related felony campaign violation. time. Yet he argued against the peals.

TransformingFIRST Ideas IN into ConsequencesFREEDOM for North Carolina

In First in Freedom the John Locke Foundation’s president and research staff apply the timeless ideas of 20th-century conservative thinkers to such 21st-century challenges as economic stagnation, tax and regulatory burdens, and educational mediocrity.

Available at: ● PASSIVE CONSUMPTION 41% ● INTERACTIVE CONSUMPTION 37% JohnLockeStore.com ● COMMUNICATION 14% ● CONTENT CREATION 3% CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019 7 UNC SYSTEM Controversial lines Rapper’s lyrics storm of vitriol against a group of Catholic high school boys who were raise questions falsely accused of racial harass- ment after being misrepresented on over UNC use of a short viral video. Before politicians or university taxpayer money administrators get too carried away with demands for retracted funding or promises to block certain kinds of speech, they should take a step BY KARI TRAVIS back and look at the bigger picture, Shibley said. “This is my anti-Semitic song.” UNC Global, a main sponsor of Palestinian rapper Tamer Na- the conference, initially released a far said those words March 22 as he statement to ABC 11, stating “This performed on a stage at UNC-Chapel video was produced by an individ- Hill’s Global Education Center. ual who attended the ‘Conflict over “I know it sounds R&B and stuff, Gaza’ conference and recorded dis- but don’t think of Rihanna when cussions with a number of attend- you sing this. Don’t think of Beyon- ees who were unaware he was tap- cé. Think of Mel Gibson. Go that an- ing their statements. The content ti-Semitic.” PHOTO FILE was heavily edited, and the product PUBLIC FUNDING AND ANTI-SEMITISM. Tamer Nafar’s statements were part of a publicly funded academic conference Nafar’s statements, captured on as presented does not provide con- called “Conflict Over Gaza: People, Politics, and Possibilities.” a phone camera and published by text as to the questions and the full, Jewish-American documentary film- complete answers given. Moreover, maker Ami Horowitz, were part of for Middle East Studies — the orga- we do not believe this video rep- a three-day academic conference nization responsible for the confer- This is my anti-Semitic song. resents the spirit of scholarship at called “Conflict Over Gaza: People, ence — for use in international and the event.” Politics, and Possibilities.” foreign education, Rep. George Hold- You look beautifully anti-Semitic. Horowitz reported he was Now, in a “Conflict Over Chap- ing, R-2nd District, wrote in an April barred by UNC officials from bring- TAMER NAFAR / PALESTINIAN RAPPER el Hill,” the campus is facing ques- 16 letter to U.S. Secretary of Educa- ing his camera into the event. The tions about the university’s use of tion Betsy DeVos. filmmaker instead wore a recording taxpayer money to host the event. “According to first-hand ac- device. The incident also raises more con- counts, the conference had a radical I am heartbroken and deeply offended If UNC is going to claim Horow- cerns about the protection of free anti-Israeli bias,” Holding wrote. “If that this performance happened. itz took statements out of context, speech on campuses — even when these reports are accurate, I have dif- then the university must provide that speech is offensive. ficulty understanding why tax dol- KEVIN GUSKIEWICZ / UNC-CHAPEL HILL INTERIM CHANCELLOR missing information, Shibley said. In an April 10 YouTube vid- lars should be spent on such an ac- “People who see this [video] ar- eo about 3 ½ minutes long, Horow- tivity.” en’t obligated to take the word of itz details several instances of an- Holding’s letter demands an in- the people who are interested in ti-Israel rhetoric, all of which were vestigation into UNC’s use of the We did not record the conference making this event less of a prob- caught on a seemingly hidden mi- money, the content of discussions at or performance. lem,” he said. “[UNC] needs to be crophone. The video splices togeth- the event, and DOE’s policies for or- ready to back that up. er bits and pieces of conversation ganizational accountability, among KATIE BOWLER YOUNG / UNC GLOBAL SPOKESWOMAN “The only way we can actual- and includes an edited take of Na- other things. ly know that is to see more of what far’s concert. “If the reports of extensive an- happened there and talk to folks “Let’s try it together, because I ti-Israeli bias are true, is that who were there, and try to find out need your help. I cannot be anti-Se- grounds to revoke the remainder guage that divides us, but about civ- selves engaging in, and they’re con- context. But it’s one of the reasons mitic alone,” the film shows Nafar of the federal grant awarded to the il discourse that advances ideas and cerned about speech that is com- it’s important not to rush to judg- telling his audience. Duke-UNC Consortium for Middle knowledge. We must continue to as- ing from their political opponents,” ment on these things and to wait “‘I’m in love with a Jew/Oh/I East Studies?” Holding wrote. pire together to that ideal.” Shibley said. “I think it’s just part of until more information is in.” fell in love with a Jew/Oh/Her skin Carolina Journal contacted DOE “We will do everything possi- human nature.” When CJ reached out to UNC- is white, and my skin is brown, she for more information about nondis- ble to make sure that it would never It would be wise for universities CH and UNC Global officials for was going up up and I was going crimination rules for federal grants. happen again,” Guskiewicz told fac- to make extra effort to seek out peo- more information, the organization down.’” CJ also asked if DeVos would inves- ulty members during a meeting that ple on both sides of a topic — espe- sent a link to a previously published “You look beautifully anti-Se- tigate and inquired after possible same day. cially one as controversial as Gaza, statement. mitic,” he jokes as the crowd sings courses of action. Holding, Guskiewicz, and oth- Shibley said. “The center and sponsors sup- along. “We have received the congress- ers should be careful not to jump to But UNC-CH and Duke Universi- ported the conference as an edu- The video ends with a shot of a man’s letter and are reviewing it,” conclusions — and should consid- ty are entitled to have a conference cational opportunity to focus on security guard asking Horowitz to DOE Press Secretary Liz Hill replied. er the constitutional rights of every- about any topic, from any angle, he the situation in Gaza,” part of UNC leave. Anti-Semitic posters, Horow- UNC reported that $5,000 of the one on campus, even those who per- said. Universities aren’t doing them- Global’s statement reads. “While itz reports in the last few seconds of DOE grant helped underwrite the petuated offensive speech, said Rob- selves any favors by continually the video misconstrues the breadth the film, were found on campus days conference. Leaders at UNC-CH and ert Shibley, executive director of the practicing political bias, but there’s of discourse that took place during after the event. Duke also released statements re- Foundation for Individual Rights in nothing illegal about what hap- the panels, UNC Global regrets any Such posters were found in Davis nouncing anti-Semitism. Education. pened at the Chapel Hill conference. offense that the video and perfor- Library, but there was no evidence “Like many members of our com- Though unsavory, nothing about Additionally, no one should as- mance have had for members of the of a link to the “Conflict Over Gaza” munity, I am heartbroken and deep- Nafar’s performance can be consid- sume they know exactly what oc- Jewish community.” conference, university officials said. ly offended that this performance ered unprotected or illegal, Shibley curred, Shibley said, since outrage CJ reached out again to ask if Since Horowitz’s report, con- happened,” UNC-CH Interim Chan- told CJ. It didn’t incite immediate vi- currently rides on one short video — any other video of the conference demnation and calls for investiga- cellor Kevin Guskiewicz wrote April olence or illegal actions, and there- from one source. was available. tion have reached the halls of Con- 12. fore it legally falls under the First “I think the whole nation got a “We did not record the confer- gress and the U.S. Department of Ed- “I stand steadfast against an- Amendment umbrella. lesson about that from the students ence or performance,” UNC Global ucation. DOE provided a $235,000 ti-Semitism in all its forms. The Car- “Everybody likes to protect the from Covington, Kentucky,” he said, spokeswoman Katie Bowler Young grant to the Duke-UNC Consortium olina spirit is not about hateful lan- speech that they might see them- pointing to the social media hail- said. 8 CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019 ECONOMY Winston-Salem lands major aircraft industry player without offering tax incentives

BY SAM A. HIEB

WINSTON-SALEM — No big 22,000 announcement. No contentious public meetings. No press confer- Number of North Carolina students graduating each year in ence. But most important — no eco- science, technology, engineering, nomic incentives. and math education. News that MRO Holdings Inc. — a leader in the aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul industry — was setting up shop in Win- As a result, the industry should ston-Salem’s Smith Reynolds Air- have a strong qualified work force, port drew little fanfare. something that’s desperately need- And that’s the way MRO Hold- ed. ings chief executive officer Greg “The capacity constraint is Colgan wants it. around skilled labor,” Colgan said. “We’re not looking for hand- “It’s very limited, but it’s also tran- outs,” Colgan told Carolina Journal. sient. You’re constantly building a “We’re here to do our part and es- culture with a chain of employees.” tablish some credibility.” Add a budding work force to an MRO Holdings announced in already budding industry — then April that it had signed a letter of throw in North Carolina’s other ad- intent to buy North State Aviation vantages — low tax rate, low cost of — a maintenance, repair, and over- living, and an ever-expanding high- haul company that in recent years way system. According to EDP, 178 had gone through a rough patch. million customers are within a day’s As the Winston-Salem Jour- drive, setting up an industry and an nal reported, North State Avia- area well-suited for each other. tion abruptly went out of business Smith Reynolds Airport is prime in March 2017, eliminating more IMAGE STOCK for growth in the aerospace indus- JET ENGINE REMOVED FOR MAINTENANCE. The maintenance, repair, and overhaul business, for obvious reasons, is than 300 jobs. However, a manage- try. As passenger flights waned af- crucial to the airline industry. MROs do everything related to an aircraft, from overhauling engines to replacing seats ment group reorganized and got the and lavatories. ter Piedmont merged with USAir, company up and running again, al- Greensboro’s Piedmont Triad Inter- though the number of jobs was few- national Airport emerged as the re- er than the original 345. Global Aircraft Demand Forecast, 2017 to 2027 gion’s primary passenger airport. In the meantime, MRO Hold- PTI, however, has also has seen its ings was looking for an opportunity commercial takeoffs dwindle with to get a foothold in North Carolina. the growth of Raleigh and Charlotte The reorganized North State Avia- New passenger deliveries New cargo deliveries airports. tion was an attractive purchase for 25,368 But Smith Reynolds has worked three big reasons: infrastructure, 20,213 231 hard to maintain volume with gen- work force, and legacy. 2017 fleet eral aviation and private aircraft. The North State Aviation bays It is the largest of the state’s “gen- were once owned by Piedmont eral aviation” airports,” providing Airlines, which began operations more than 3,000 jobs and adding in Winston-Salem in 1940 and more than $800 million into the lo- emerged as a major carrier until US- Passenger fleet Cargo fleet cal economy. Both are expected to Air bought Piedmont in 1989. grow once a list of proposed proj- “I love the legacy of the facili- 10,133 ects at the airport is completed. ty. That’s something you don’t un- P2F conversions New growth The list includes a terminal ren- derestimate,” Colgan said. “I don’t 412 ovation starting construction in know how many people have told winter 2020, with a scheduled com- me their father worked at Pied- pletion in summer 2021, and an avi- mont.” ation center operated by Forsyth The maintenance, repair, and Technical Community College. overhaul business, for obvious rea- As it stands, the existing infra- sons, is crucial to the airline indus- structure is prime for MRO Holdings try. MROs do everything related to Passenger retirements Cargo retirements 35,501 to expand after it establishes itself an aircraft from overhauling en- 9,526 785 2027 fleet at Smith Reynolds. gines to replacing seats and lavato- “The facility’s huge — it’s got ries. SOURCE: Oliver Wyman Global Fleet & MRO Market Forecast big bays, so that will allow them to According to the N.C. Depart- get more employees here, because ment of Transportation’s Division it’s kind of underutilized now,” said of Aviation, the MRO industry in years, considering the in-service 58% of the fleet will be new aircraft. According to the EDP, North Mark Davidson, the airport director North Carolina experienced a 46% commercial airline fleet is sched- Generally speaking, North Car- Carolina is ranked second in aero- at Smith Reynolds. job growth between 2012 and 2017, uled to grow from nearly 25,000 air- olina is putting a lot of stock in space industry growth, as it is home “The facility is unique in that with 148 companies providing craft at the beginning of 2017 to the aerospace industry. An infor- to more than 200 aerospace compa- in can handle 737s or 757s, so I 4,400 jobs. Nationwide, North Car- more than 35,000 by 2027, accord- mational packet produced by the nies and more than 400 aerospace think that’s what really contribut- olina is fifth in the nation in MRO ing to the global consulting firm Ol- state’s Economic Development suppliers. ed to their decision to acquire North employment. iver Wyman. Partnership touts the many advan- The state also has 22,000 gradu- State. This will allow them to bring Worldwide the MRO industry is And while new planes will cer- tages the Tar Heel State offers a ates per year in science, technology, in customers that they didn’t have expected to grow over the next 10 tainly come online, in 2017 only company looking to come here. engineering, and math education. access to before.” CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019 9 HIGHER EDUCATION Lawmakers, educators meet in Greensboro to address dropout crisis, ways to promote students’ success

BY KARI TRAVIS ture of care.” The university gathers data on argaree Brown grew up in students who have “stopped-out.” Everetts, North Carolina. Then it works hard to get them back Her high school had fewer to class and on the right path to a than 400 students. Her graduating degree. Mclass was a group of just 40. UNCG’s alumni association of- Now a sophomore at the Uni- fers “micro-grants” to students versity of North Carolina at Greens- with emergency financial needs. boro, Brown is a first-generation col- Additionally, the school will soon lege student and one of only five launch an Academic Success people from her high school class Coaching Program for first-year stu- still in college. dents, with graduate student coun- “I was like, ‘I need to go to col- selors who act as case managers for lege, I need a degree, and I need to 150 students who need help adjust- get out of Martin County,’” Brown ing to college academics. told a group of college administra- The program, funded from a tors, lawmakers, and other public $1.2 million Armfield Foundation officials during an April 5 roundta- grant, is set to launch this fall. ble discussion about student suc- “We are doing things to sup- cess and graduation rates. port our students, to get them a col- “I love home, but there wasn’t lege degree and career, to transform much there for me,” she said. “I their lives and transform the re- wanted to provide for my family. I gion,” said Chancellor Franklin Gil- wanted to be that success story for liam. my family.” UNCG’s graduation rate is 55 PHOTO COURTESY OF UNCG OF COURTESY PHOTO Brown is one example of a much percent, the U.S. Department of Ed- STUDENT SUCCESS. UNC-Greeensboro Chancellor Franklin Gilliam, left, stands with UNCG students Nicholas Smurth- larger population, one of low-income ucation’s College Scorecard says. waite, McKayla Bohannon, and Margaree Brown. The students joined filmmaker Adam Fenderson, right, for an April 5 and first-generation college students panel discussion. In 2018, UNCG awarded 4,307 less likely than their more afflu- degrees to students, its highest ent peers to complete college once number in 10 years, UNC System they’ve started. Between 2014 and data show. The school’s total enroll- 2016, 4 million undergraduates quit likely,” a documentary film about worked jobs, and supported their ing and advising for students, and ment in 2018 was 20,106, up slight- school before completing a degree, America’s college dropout crisis. families throughout school. tailored learning for adult students ly from 2017, and the highest since data from the U.S. Department of Ed- The production, created by filmmak- All three are determined to grad- with responsibilities such as jobs 2009. ucation show. ers Jaye and Adam Fenderson, takes uate, despite the challenges and ex- and families. UNCG administrators are right Local numbers show 905,000 a close look at “part-way home” stu- pense. Public schools like UNCG can be to celebrate successes, but officials North Carolinians have begun some dents, who have some college expe- This is a critical — and concern- a tremendous resource to students should always remember to ask form of higher education, only to rience but who dropped out because ing — case study of what’s happen- facing such challenges, Dunn said. students where they can improve, leave before finishing, said Andrew of financial, social, or other barriers. ing all over the United States, Fend- The majority of the school’s popula- Fenderson said. Kelly, the University of North Caroli- Brown was one of three student erson said. tion is made up of first-generation, “The big question I love think- na System’s vice president for strate- panelists to join Adam Fenderson “We are blown away by the is- minority, and black students. That ing about is, ‘What do we need to gy and policy. and UNCG Provost Dana Dunn in a sues that are institutional that are makes the school one of the most stop doing?’” Fenderson said. “I’m Known as “part-way home stu- discussion about how the univer- not helping these students,” he diverse in the UNC System, and of- sure there are things in your school dents,” their growing numbers are a sity is promoting student success. said. ficials are focused on student sup- that you can stop doing. problem. Lawmakers and education Seniors Nicholas Smurthwaite and Education is still mostly treated port, Dunn said. “I urge you to pat yourselves on officials are taking notice. McKayla Bohannon, also first-gen- as a one-size-fits-all system, but it “I like to say we’re a gateway of the back … but also keep moving in N.C. legislators and public high- eration college-goers from small shouldn’t work that way, Fenderson social mobility for our students,” that direction, and say, ‘What can er education officials gathered at towns, spoke alongside Brown. said. “Unlikely” emphasized non- she said. “Saving students really we do more of, and what can stop UNC-Greensboro to discuss “Un- All three have drawn loans, traditional online schools, mentor- isn’t rocket science. It [takes] a cul- doing?’” THIS IS WHAT OPPORTUNITY LOOKS LIKE. Learn more online at: www.carolinajournal.com/series/opportunity-scholarships #SchoolChoice 10 CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019 SCHOOL CHOICE

in North Carolina, behind The Ear- School choice ly College at Guilford in Greensboro. Students and parents have tak- in North en notice. Raleigh Charter got 1,423 appli- cations for admission for the 2020- Carolina 21 school year, including 1,152 for ninth grade. An admissions lottery was held March 22, and 150 ris- continued from PAGE 1 ing freshmen were accepted, the school’s website says. lawmakers have passed a number “Due to the high number of ap- of school-choice initiatives expand- plications,” the site says, “nonsib- ing access to various educational ling ninth-graders had a 7% chance opportunities. of being accepted to RCHS in this But that supermajority is gone, year’s lottery.” and critics of school choice, includ- Raleigh Charter continuously ing Gov. Roy Cooper, now have more earns an A-plus on N.C. School Re- of a say in terms of education policy port Cards, but the actual reasons in the state. for its success depend on who you Critics of school choice claim ask. the state hasn’t done enough to Lisa Huddleston, principal of hold school choice programs ac- Raleigh Charter, said size has made countable and has devalued public it easier to connect personally with schools in the pursuit of expanding each student. The school has about school choice. 560 students, and the average class DON CARRINGTON DON “The emphasis on nebulous val- SCIENCE CLASS. Whit Hames, a science teacher at Raleigh Charter High School, lectures students. size is 19. ues of choice and competition have “We are a smaller school, and led us astray from the intended pur- so we think by being smaller it al- pose of public schools serving the lows us to get to know our kids on public good,” Keith Poston, presi- day … one-fifth of North Caroli- creased flexibility and innovation charter school has earned an A-plus a level that is harder when you have dent and executive director of the na’s charter schools are operated can lead to improved student per- on the N.C. School Report Card and four times as many kids. So, being a Public School Forum of North Caro- by for-profit charter management formance. has exceeded growth for the past small school helps us,” Huddleston lina, said in an op-ed for WRAL. companies, 80% of which are head- Henderson Collegiate, a char- few years. One hundred percent of said. “Our faculty is focused on re- Poston said charter schools quartered outside of the state, far ter K-12 school in Henderson — in Henderson Collegiate’s graduating ally building relationships with were promised as “laboratories of away from the communities they Vance County — serves predomi- class of 2019 has been accepted in- kids and taking those relationships innovation,” but today the land- purport to serve with education- nantly economically disadvantaged to a college. and focusing on the curriculum and scape is much different. al innovations sensitive to local students, with 95% of the student Raleigh Charter High School en- helping kids grow individually.” “Early on, charter schools were needs.” body from low-income households. joys similar success as Henderson Huddleston says the school by and large managed as home- Proponents of school choice of- Despite coming from poverty, a ma- Collegiate. U.S News & World Re- doesn’t have all the glitzy and cool grown nonprofits with local com- ten point to the variety of charter jority of the students are scoring port Best High Schools ranks Raleigh continued NEXT PAGE munity boards,” Poston said. “To- schools in the state as proof that in- proficient in math and reading. The Charter 64th nationally and second

A Timeline of School Choice in North Carolina By Lindsay Marchello

July 25, 2013 January 2014 May 2014 Aug. 21, 2014 School choice has a long history in North Carolina, dating The Opportunity Scholarship The Institute for Justice files a N.C. Supreme Court lifts Hob- Hobgood strikes down the Op- back to a 1985 state Supreme Court case allowing for parents program is created when the motion to intervene in the Op- good’s order, allowing imple- portunity Scholarship program to homeschool their children. Since then, the state has seen General Assembly passes the portunity Scholarship program mentation of the Opportunity as unconstitutional and argues battles over school-choice initiatives, such as the Opportuni- Current Operations and Capi- lawsuit on behalf of two fam- Scholarship program to move it goes against the landmark ty Scholarship program and the Educational Savings Accounts, tal Improvements Appropria- ilies who want to use the pro- forward. Leandro case, which states as well as the consequences of lifting the charter school cap in tions Act of 2013, the budget gram to send their children to that every child has a right to a 2011. The timeline highlights some school-choice milestones in bill for fiscal 2013-14 and 2014- private schools. sound, basic education. North Carolina. 15. It provides vouchers of up to $4,200 for low-income families May 7, 1985 1997 to send their children to private schools. Critics accuse the pro- The N.C. Supreme Court ruling Healthy Start Academy, the gram of diverting taxpayer dol- in Delconte v. State authorizes first public school to receive lars from public schools to pri- homeschooling in the state. a charter in North Carolina, is vate schools. established.

June 21, 1996 June 17, 2011 Dec. 11, 2013 February 2014 Aug. 2, 2014 Sept. 19, 2014 House Bill 955, the Charter Gov. Bev Perdue signs Senate The N.C. Association of Educa- Wake Superior Court Judge Rob- The General Assembly passes The appeals court issues an or- School Education Opportunity Bill 8 into law. The law lifts the tors, the N.C. Justice Center, ert Hobgood issues an injunc- the budget bill for fiscal 2014- der putting on hold a separate Act, is ratified. The law autho- cap on charter schools and rais- and several parents and former tion blocking implementation 15, which amended the Oppor- ruling by Hobgood halting all rizes the creation and funding es the enrollment growth cap education officials file a lawsuit of the Opportunity Scholarship tunity Scholarship program in disbursements of funds for the of charter schools in the state, to 20 percent. challenging the Opportunity program. two ways. It repealed a provi- Opportunity Scholarship pro- but caps the number of charter Scholarship program. Attorneys sion mandating the reduction gram after he declared it uncon- schools at 100. for the plaintiffs argue the pro- in public school funding due to stitutional. gram violates the State Consti- the use of vouchers, and it add- tution by diverting public funds ed a provision prohibiting pri- away from public use. vate schools from discriminat- ing based on race, color, or national origin. CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019 11 SCHOOL CHOICE School choice terms defined

Opportunity Scholarships dren with disabilities to receive help to pay for tuition, fees, and The Opportunity Scholarship other expenses at a participat- program provides low-income ing nonpublic school or home- families with vouchers of up to school. Through the program, $4,200 to enroll their kids in pri- parents receive a debit card vate schools. Families can use connected to an account with the vouchers to pay for tuition, a maximum annual allocation transportation costs, equip- of $9,000 to help cover educa- ment, or for other private school tion-related expenses. related expenses. Special Education Charter schools Scholarship Grants for Charter schools are public Children with Disabilities schools that are granted greater flexibility in how they op- Students with qualifying spe- erate. For example, charter cial needs are eligible to receive schools aren’t required to pro- school vouchers. Parents can vide transportation, partici- use the vouchers to pay for pri- pate in the national free or re- vate school or homeschool ex- duced-price lunch program, or penses. Vouchers are worth up have 100% of their teachers be to $4,000 per semester. licensed. DON CARRINGTON DON Private schools HISTORY LESSON. Betsy Newmark, a history teacher, talks to students in a class at Raleigh Charter High School. Personal Education Private schools are run by a pri- Savings Accounts vate organization or individual, instead of the government man- The Personal Education Sav- aging operations. These schools continued from PREVIOUS PAGE 92% of students start school at Ra- Unlike traditional public ings Account is a program for don’t receive public funding and leigh Charter prepared for the next schools, charter schools aren’t re- eligible families with K-12 chil- charge tuition to attend. grade level, while only 38.6% of quired to provide transportation things some may want or desire, the students entering ninth grade or participate in the federal school but it allows educators to focus on across the state are ready. lunch program. Oftentimes parents building relationships and helping Only 5% of students at Raleigh are responsible for getting their kids students learn. Charter come from economically to school or making sure they’re Nearly 62% of teachers are li- disadvantaged homes, while a little fed, but some charter schools have censed at Raleigh Charter High more than 49% of students across worked out ways to provide trans- School, compared to a 90% average North Carolina are economically continued PAGE 12 for N.C. schools. A little more than disadvantaged. WWW.CAROLINAJOURNAL.COM

Feb. 24, 2015 July 22, 2016 Nov. 2, 2017 Feb. 9, 2018 June 6, 2018 March 20, 2019 The N.C. Supreme Court hears Gov. Pat McCrory signs House The State Board of Education A three-judge Superior Court The General Assembly passes Sens. Dan Blue, D-Wake, and Jay an appeal of a lower court’s rul- Bill 1080 into law. The bill estab- votes unanimously to approve panel hears arguments in Coo- House Bill 514, a move allow- Chaudhuri, D-Wake, introduce ing that the Opportunity Schol- lishes the Achievement School Southside Ashpole Elementa- per’s lawsuit over funding for ing four towns in Mecklenburg Senate Bill 247 to place a mora- arship program violates the N.C. District, a pilot program in ry School as the first to join the the Opportunity Scholarship County to open and run their torium on new or revised char- Constitution. which five chronically low-per- Innovative School District in program. own charter schools apart from ters until a legislative commit- forming schools would be trans- 2018-19. the local board of education. tee can study the performance ferred to a charter or education Since it’s a local bill, the gover- of existing charter schools. management organization for nor doesn’t need to sign it, and There are 184 charter schools in five years. The program will lat- it’s not at risk of a veto. operation as of this date. er be rebranded as the Innova- tive School District.

July 24, 2015 June 28, 2017 Jan. 31, 2018 March 16, 2018 Oct. 3, 2018 April 3, 2019 The N.C. Supreme Court rules in The General Assembly overrides Parents for Educational Free- The new rules for PESA go in- North Carolina is one of eight Republican senators introduce a 4-3 vote that the Opportuni- Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of Sen- dom in North Carolina — an ed- to effect. Children with more se- winners of the Expanding Op- Senate Bill 609 to expand eligi- ty Scholarship program is con- ate Bill 257, a budget bill which ucation nonprofit — files an vere disabilities are prioritized, portunities through Quality bility for the Opportunity Schol- stitutional. includes a provision creating the amicus brief in a lawsuit be- and awards are capped for chil- Charter School Program grants arship program and for the Chil- N.C. Personal Education Savings tween Cooper and the Gener- dren who attend private school from the U.S. Department of dren with Disabilities Scholar- Account Program. The program al Assembly over the Opportuni- part-time. The program is also Education. The federal grant to- ship program. The bill would provides the parents of children ty Scholarship program. Cooper expanded to include children al- tals $23.6 million over five years eliminate restrictions on schol- with disabilities bank accounts objects to a provision in Sen- ready enrolled in private or ho- to expand charter school oppor- arships awarded to children in to hold scholarship money to ate Bill 257, the budget bill, that meschools. tunities. kindergarten and first grade. pay for tuition and fees related outlines funding for the Oppor- to nonpublic school attendance tunity Scholarship Program and or homeschooling. requires him to include the ap- propriated funds in the base budget. 12 CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019 SCHOOL CHOICE

School choice bills filed in the 2019 legislative session Several bills relating to school choice have been filed during the 2019 long legislative session, 10 as of April 17. Visit ncleg.gov to see the status of each bill.

House Bill 174 pact of charter schools on lo- Introduced by Rep. Michael Spe- cal school districts. A moratori- ciale, R-Craven, H.B. 174 would um would be placed on charter grant a taxpayer an income tax school growth while the commit- credit for operating a home- tee conducts its study. school. The amount of the cred- Senate Bill 354 it is equal to 50% of the expenses incurred for establishing and op- This bill would require fair and erating a homeschool. timely notice to families and stu- House Bill 199 dents about the closure or re- structuring of a charter school. This bipartisan bill would make An impact statement would also permanent the Charter School be required to be sent to affected Transportation Grant program. families before the closing or re- Charter schools that serve at structuring of a charter school.

least 50% of students who quali- Senate Bill 392 CARRINGTON DON fy for free or reduced-price lunch MAKING THE MUSIC. Jack Stamp, a guest conductor, leads Raleigh Charter High School students through practice for would be reimbursed up to 65% This bill gives charter school op- a musical performance. of the cost to transport students. erators another avenue to get The bill appropriates $2.5 million approval for bonds to help fi- in recurring funds for the grant nance facility construction proj- program. ects. S.B. 392 would allow the build their facilities and often have ing and what doesn’t work, and House Bill 229 superintendent of public in- to retrofit existing, older buildings It is critical that then decide how to move forward,” struction to approve issuance of — instead of building brand new fa- Chaudhuri said during a news con- This bill, introduced by Demo- private activity bonds for char- cilities. the manufactured ference for the bill. cratic representatives, would re- ter school facilities after a pub- “Are there problems with school commotion generated The joint legislative commit- peal legislation allowing mu- lic hearing. choice across the board? Sure, but by anti-choice forces tee would study and make rec- nicipalities to operate charter Senate Bill 583 we always have to look at how ommendations on a series of sub- schools. we can improve the situation all in the state do not jects, including the academic per- House Bill 599 This bill, introduced by Dem- around,” Huddleston said. drown out the voices formance of all charter school stu- ocratic senators, would freeze School choice first became a re- of those who know, dents, as compared to students in Introduced by Rep. Larry Pitt- funding for the Opportunity ality after the N.C. Supreme Court local school districts; the extent to man, R-Cabarrus, H.B. 599 would Scholarship program at the fund- ruled in 1985 that parents can ho- better than anyone, which charter schools have an im- create an income tax credit for ing levels established for fis- meschool their children. the education that pact on segregation in local school children who are homeschooled. cal 2018-19. S.B. 583 would ap- In 1996, the General Assembly their children need. administrative units and charter The credit is worth $1,250 per se- propriate the reduction in funds allowed for charter schools to set schools; and the suspension and ex- mester. to the Department of Pub- up shop in the state. It wasn’t until - Terry Stoops, pulsion rates in charter schools as Senate Bill 227 lic Instruction to hire addition- 2011, when the General Assembly John Locke Foundation compared to local school districts. al school-based personnel, and lifted the charter school cap, that Another bill, Senate Bill 583, Introduced by Sen. Jerry Tillman, it would transfer unexpend- the number of charter schools ex- would reduce funding for the Op- R-Randolph, S.B. 227 broadens ed money from the Opportunity ploded. The charge to limit school- portunity Scholarship program. the charter school enrollment Scholarship program to the Pub- Today, North Carolina has 184 choice options is mostly led by The bill, introduced by Sens. Nata- priority to include siblings who lic School Building Capital Fund. charter schools serving around 7% Democratic lawmakers. The Demo- sha Marcus, D-Mecklenburg; Sam apply to the charter school for Senate Bill 609 of the state’s 1.5 million students. cratic Party picked up nine seats in Searcy, D-Wake; and Wiley Nickel, admission in the same school Terry Stoops, vice president for the House and six seats in the Sen- D-Wake; would appropriate mon- year. The bill would also expand Introduced by Republican sena- research and director of education ate after the November 2018 gen- ey toward employing addition- the charter school employee en- tors, S.B. 609 would expand eligi- studies at the John Locke Foun- eral election, and Republicans lost al school-based personnel. Unex- rollment priority to include chil- bility for the Opportunity Schol- dation, said North Carolina is one their veto-proof supermajorities. pended funds would go to the Pub- dren of people employed to work arship program and for the Chil- of the few states that offer such a The gain in seats doesn’t mean lic School Building Capital Fund. full-time for the charter school. dren with Disabilities Scholar- wide range of education options. Democratic members can pass ev- Stoops said school-choice sup- Senate Bill 247 ship program. The bill would “This year, approximately one in ery piece legislation on their wish- porters probably don’t need to wor- eliminate restrictions on scholar- five children are attending a school list, including school-choice roll- ry about the aforementioned mea- This bill would establish a joint ships awarded to children in kin- of choice in North Carolina,” Stoops backs. What it does mean, though, sures. legislative committee on the im- dergarten and first grade. said. is the Republican Party will have a “Unless Republicans decide to That number is likely to in- tougher time getting more ambi- betray some of their most enthusi- crease in years to come as more and tious school-choice legislation past astic supporters, neither bill is like- continued from PAGE 11 ter does. more families opt for alternatives to a Cooper veto. ly to pass in 2019,” Stoops said. While magnet schools and ear- traditional public schools. Senate Bill 247, introduced by But, Stoops said, it’s imperative portation and lunch through non- ly-college program schools can pro- Lawmakers have been busy Sens. Dan Blue, D-Wake; Jay Chaud- lawmakers continue listening to profit and state-funded programs. vide a narrowly tailored education, this legislative session. Fights over huri, D-Wake; and Mujtaba Moham- parents. Charters also have calendar flex- most traditional public schools are Medicaid expansion and alcohol re- med, D-Mecklenburg; would cre- “Public school advocacy groups ibility and don’t require that all their too large to come even close to pro- form have taken center stage, but ate a joint legislative committee to and radical union educators gener- teachers be licensed. They can ex- viding such individual attention. several school-choice bills also have study the impact of charter schools ate a lot of noise,” Stoops said. “It is periment with different curriculums The 2019 legislative session has been filed. on the local school districts. While critical that the manufactured com- and methods of teaching, as well. seen a push for a statewide school While some aim to expand the committee conducts its study, motion generated by anti-choice Huddleston said she wishes all construction bond to renovate, re- school-choice opportunities for lawmakers would place a moratori- forces in the state do not drown out public schools had the same flexi- pair, and even build new tradition- North Carolina families, a handful um on charter-school growth. the voices of those who know, bet- bility and ability to focus on a nar- al public schools. Charter schools of bills intend to roll back the prog- “The bottom line is we need to ter than anyone, the education that row goal in the way Raleigh Char- don’t receive capital funding to ress. take a break, review what’s work- their children need.” CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019 13 EDUCATION Lab schools a positive experience for teachers, students in struggling schools

BY KARI TRAVIS The schools are n 2016, the General Assembly passed a law requiring the Uni- selected from versity of North Carolina Sys- districts with more tem to form eight “laboratory than 25% of their Ischools” in affiliation with the system’s 17 campuses. schools labeled as In 2017, the legislature added a ‘low-performing’ ninth lab school. under state Essentially, the law allows UNC campuses to take over manage- guidelines. ment and teaching in struggling PHOTO FROM APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY STATE APPALACHIAN FROM PHOTO public middle schools. The schools LAB SCHOOLS. Students of Academy at Middle Fork, a lab school partnered with Appalachian State University are selected from districts with whelmingly positive for students more than 25% of their schools la- — and student teachers — at the beled as “low-performing” under Academy at Middle Fork, a lab ways ask me is, ‘Why are you still students, offering mentorship and selves attending ASU, Boyd said. state guidelines. Partnerships give school partnered with Appalachian doing this? Why aren’t you re- guidance in the classroom. It’s a Other lab schools partner with undergraduates a chance to teach State University, ASU spokeswom- tired?’ And my answer to them is, real-life learning formula, and it’s East Carolina University, Western in a challenging environment and an Megan Hayes said. ‘Because we finally got it right,’” a chance for low-income middle Carolina University, UNC-Greens- offer struggling K-5 students an Middle Fork serves roughly 300 said Melissa Boyd, a first-grade schoolers to interact with univer- boro, and UNC-Wilmington. Each opportunity to excel and to im- K-5 students. teacher at Middle Fork. sity professors. Some of those mid- campus was selected based on ge- prove. “I’ve been teaching for 31 years, Experienced teachers like Boyd dle schoolers, who before had lit- ography and capacity of educator The experience has been over- and one of the questions people al- work alongside Appalachian State tle hope of college, now see them- preparation programs. Kelli Brown named chancellor of Western Carolina University

BY LINDSAY MARCHELLO The UNC BOG restarted the search process after the tumult. he University of North Caro- The BOG met in Chapel Hill to lina System Board of Gover- vote on Interim UNC President Bill nors on April 25 named Kel- Roper’s recommendation for Brown li Brown chancellor of Western Car- to serve as the next WCU chancel- Tolina University. Brown’s appoint- lor. Most of the meeting was held in ment comes after a search — which closed session, and a vote was held at one point became contentious — with no open discussion from the that lasted nearly a year. board. The position came open June 17 “Western Carolina deserves a when David Belcher, a leader well- chancellor with a keen focus on stu- liked by many in the University of dent and faculty success, and Dr. North Carolina community, died af- Brown has demonstrated that focus

ter a two-year battle with brain can- throughout her esteemed academ- BROWN KELLI ACCOUNT FLICKR WCU FROM PHOTO cer. The search hit a roadblock July ic career,” Roper said in a news re- Kelli Brown WCU STUDENTS. Western Carolina University students gather to watch the 12, when the board failed to vote on lease after the vote. “I welcome her August 2017 “super eclipse.” a candidate appointed by then UNC to the UNC System and look forward President Margaret Spellings. BOG to working with Dr. Brown in her members spent about two hours in new role.” community health outreach proj- uation rate by 25%. Brown got her chair of the university’s chancellor closed session, and raised voices UNC BOG Chairman Harry ects. She holds a doctorate in educa- start at GCSU as a professor in the search committee. could be heard outside the room. No Smith had similar praise for Brown. tion from Southern Illinois Universi- School of Health and Human Perfor- “I am pleased at the decision by vote was taken, and an undisclosed “On behalf of the Board of Gov- ty at Carbondale, master’s and bach- mance in June 2013. the Board of Governors, and we all chancellor candidate withdrew from ernors, I am thrilled to announce the elor’s degrees from the University of In July 2016, Brown served as look forward to working with our consideration a few days later. selection of Dr. Kelli R. Brown to lead Toledo, and an associate degree in interim president of Valdosta State 12th chancellor — and our first per- Lou Bissette, the board’s former WCU into the future,” Smith said. dental hygiene from Michael J. Ow- University before returning to her manent female CEO — to build up- chairman, said board member Tom “Western Carolina has seen tremen- ens Technical College in Ohio. position at GCSU in January 2017. on the strong foundation in place at Fetzer was largely responsible for dous growth, particularly now as an Brown currently serves as pro- “Dr. Brown distinguished herself WCU.” the disruption, the News and Ob- NC Promise institution. Now, under vost and senior vice president for as a top candidate in what I would Brown will start no later than Ju- server reported in a story. Email re- Dr. Brown’s leadership, it is poised to academic affairs at Georgia Col- characterize as an extremely deep ly 1, 2019, and will receive an initial cords obtained by Carolina Journal see even greater success.” lege and State University. During pool of exceptionally well-qualified annual salary of $325,000. WCU will show Fetzer hired an outside firm to Brown has an extensive resume, her time at GCSU, Brown revitalized potential leaders for our university,” provide her a home in Cullowhee investigate Spellings’ candidate af- participating in several professional the Center for Student Success and said Patricia Kaemmerling, chair of and will reimburse all reasonable ter reviewing the appointee’s CV. health education organizations and helped increase the four-year grad- the WCU Board of Trustees and co- moving expenses. 14 CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019 COMMENTARY The costly demands of the May Day protesters

need to increase teacher com- reinstatement of state retiree millions of dollars required to do pensation and overall spending Pushing the NCAE health benefits eliminated by the so, both Republicans and Demo- topped the union’s list of demands, General Assembly in 2017. To crats recognize that public schools along with explicit calls to vote wish list without begin addressing North Carolina’s have unmet needs for trained against Republican candidates in regard to costs and $32 billion unfunded liability mental health personnel. Current- the November elections to follow. for health benefits promised to ly, the state employees just fewer DR. TERRY STOOPS Naturally, they wanted to place trade-offs is easy retirees, lawmakers included a than 5,000 guidance counselors VICE PRESIDENT FOR RESEARCH moratoria on North Carolina’s and exceedingly provision in the 2017 state budget and psychologists that serve more JOHN LOCKE FOUNDATION enormously popular charter and that made new employees hired than 1.5 million children, which private school-choice options. common, but it is after 2021 ineligible for health many North Carolinians believe Medicaid expansion, universal also dishonest. benefits after retirement. Union insufficient. or the second year in a row, preschool, health care costs, per- officials hope to scuttle the policy Finally, protesters demand the the N.C. Association of formance pay, school supplies, and before it goes into effect. state expand Medicaid to include Educators, the state affiliate a number of other concerns were $15 minimum wage for all school Protesters also demand that the adults in North Carolina not of the nation’s largest teachers’ mentioned. personnel, a 5 percent raise for legislature restore advanced degree currently covered by the program. Funion, has selected a Wednesday For this year’s May 1 demon- all support staff, teachers, and compensation eliminated by the According to the budget proposed in May to hold a demonstration in stration, NCAE leaders published administrators, and a 5 percent General Assembly in 2013. Law- by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, Raleigh. Last year’s one-day walk- a more explicit list of demands. cost-of-living adjustment for makers made the change in light North Carolina’s share of expand- out attracted tens of thousands of Naturally, union officials have retirees. According to the nonpar- of decades of empirical research ing Medicaid would cost the state teachers, public school advocates, avoided any discussion of the fis- tisan Fiscal Research Division of that consistently found teachers more than $600 million over the and others who donned red T-shirts cal implications of these demands, the General Assembly, raising the with master’s degrees were no next two years. Initially, the state in what union organizers billed as and the mainstream media has yet minimum wage for school person- more effective than those without. would cover the cost through pre- a “rally for respect.” It also forced to focus on the real-world costs nel to a minimum of $15 per hour Rather than reward a select group mium taxes on managed Medicaid more than 1 million children, two- and trade-offs that each item on would require an additional $110 of teachers who have attained plans and new hospital taxes, but thirds of the public school students the list would require. Granting million in new spending each year. these credentials, lawmakers in the there’s no guarantee these revenue in North Carolina, and their parents their appeals for higher salaries, A 5 percent raise for all school Republican majority sought to redi- sources would be adequate to sus- to stay home on what should have additional support positions, and employees would add a recurring rect that funding to boost teacher tain the program beyond the next been another instructional day. Medicaid expansion would require expense of $415 million to the pay for all teachers. And they did. two years. Leading up to the 2018 rally, sizable tax increases in the short state budget. Neither of these After five consecutive years of base Pushing the NCAE wish list union leaders failed to convey term. Even more substantial tax estimates includes the additional salary increases, North Carolina’s without regard to costs and a consistent rationale for the walk- increases would be required to pay millions that would be needed to average teacher salary reached trade-offs is easy and exceedingly out. The Republican-led General for the long-term accumulation of pay the corresponding increases nearly $54,000 this year, a 20% common, but it is also dishon- Assembly had recently granted unfunded liabilities to the state for positions funded through coun- increase over that period. est. It conveniently avoids any teachers a 6.5 percent average retirement system that the cost- ty dollars. A 5 percent COLA for Moreover, union officials confrontation with the crushing salary increase, their fifth raise of -living adjustment for retirees retirees would require $240 million seek to provide “enough school real-world consequences of a plan in a row, and state appropriations and restoration of retiree health in new state dollars and would add librarians, psychologists, social that would require the General As- for public schools were poised to benefits would produce. a $2.5 billion unfunded liability to workers, counselors, nurses, and sembly to impose unconscionable cross the $9 billion mark for the For example, union officials the state retirement system. other health professionals to meet burdens on taxpayers today and first time. Vague references to the call on lawmakers to provide a Their second demand is the national standards.” Despite the for generations to come.

www.carolinajournal.com Breaking news, top stories and analysis delivered each morning to your inbox. CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019 15 COMMENTARY Questions justices could have asked about N.C. gerrymandering

That could have happened with a map designed to elect 10 Republi- cans. Actual elections with real candidates — “normal democratic processes” — challenged Riggs’ MITCH KOKAI assertion that N.C. Democrats had SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST no “meaningful ability” to elect JOHN LOCKE FOUNDATION more than three members to the U.S. House. Chief Justice John Roberts came .S. Supreme Court justices close to making this point during peppered lawyers with plen- the oral arguments. “What do ty of questions during the you do with the fact that partisan latest arguments over North Caro- identification is not the only basis Ulina’s congressional election map. on which people vote?” he asked. This observer would have liked to “Do you see electoral results have heard even more queries. change dramatically depending, The unasked questions could for example, on the particular have added valuable context to appeal of individual candidates, the ongoing debate over partisan COURTARTIST.COM - LIEN ART turning on who’s at the head of the gerrymandering. ticket rather than down ticket? Justices jumped quickly into She claimed her clients had sued not racial — factors had motivated Those who had paid attention And how do you deal with that — question mode during March 26 the General Assembly because their actions? to recent electoral news know those factors that depart from the oral arguments in Rucho v. Common “its leadership essentially bragged The questions could have ex- that Democrats made concerted arguments about the inevitability Cause. Former U.S. Solicitor Gen- to these voters and the public at tended beyond Riggs’ claim about efforts to flip at least three Repub- of electoral results based on parti- eral Paul Clement spoke for just 47 large that, by enacting a 10-3 plan, “bragging.” How exactly does lican-held congressional seats. san identification?” seconds before the first question it was punishing voters who sup- an election map punish voters? In the Second District, the GOP Put another way: Regardless of interrupted his argument. Clement ported Democratic candidates and Do they lose their right to cast a incumbent won with a margin of the General Assembly’s electoral defended the map North Carolina it was going to create districts that ballot? Do they lose their right to just 18,000 votes out of 330,000 designs, voters have the final say. used for congressional elections in would not allow voters in those urge friends and neighbors to cast total ballots cast. In the 13th “It turns out that a lot of the 2016 and 2018. districts any meaningful ability to ballots for their preferred candi- District, the margin was slightly predictions in this area … prove to Justices offered even less defer- use normal democratic processes dates? Do they lose the right to more than 17,000 out of about be very, very wrong very often,” ence at the outset of the opposing to redress infringements on their work with their preferred political 285,000 total votes. And in the 9th Roberts said, before citing a 2004 argument. Emmet Bondurant, individual constitutional rights.” party to put forward the best pos- District, just 905 votes separated Pennsylvania redistricting case. representing lead appellee Com- It would have been nice to hear sible candidate to win a majority of the apparent Republican winner “You have the famous example in mon Cause, delivered 32 seconds a justice ask any of the follow- votes in the district? from his Democratic foe. (Demo- the Vieth case where the argument of his opening monologue before a ing questions: What evidence Since the answer to each of crats still have a chance to flip that was … the method under challenge question cut him off. suggests that legislative leaders these questions clarifying voter seat this year because of absentee would never allow the election of In contrast, Allison Riggs en- were bragging? Weren’t legisla- “punishment” is “no,” how has the ballot irregularities that prompted Republican judges. And 15 days joyed more time to offer an opening tors simply stating as fact that election map blocked voters in any criminal charges and a new special after the opinion came down, all statement. Arguing on behalf of they had drafted a map designed “meaningful” way from engaging election.) the judges were Republican.” the League of Women Voters, the to elect 10 Republicans and three in “normal democratic processes”? With an extra infusion of Roberts and his colleagues other lead plaintiff challenging the Democrats to North Carolina’s If Riggs had responded that none campaign cash here, an unexpect- should decide in June whether N.C. election map, Riggs spoke for congressional delegation? Didn’t of these activities would have ed scandal there, or a series of North Carolina’s congressional nearly 2 ½ minutes before facing they say that map’s political fac- made a difference, that the map damaging political gaffes on the map will withstand a constitution- her first query. tors were designed to distinguish itself guaranteed a 10-3 Republican campaign trail — in other words, al challenge. This observer hopes This observer would have liked it from a previous map that courts advantage in the N.C. congressio- the standard electoral process at Roberts’ comments — along with to have heard at least one justice had tossed out because of racial nal delegation, a justice could have work — Democrats could have cut important questions never asked push back against Riggs’ first gerrymandering? Weren’t they asked this follow-up: Did you not the Republican advantage in North during oral arguments — will help sentence. simply asserting that political — follow the 2018 election cycle? Carolina’s House delegation to 7-6. guide the high court’s final ruling. NORTH CAROLINA

BUDGET IN PICTURES ONLINE NOW AT JOHNLOCKE.ORG www.johnlocke.org/research/north-carolina-budget-in-pictures-fy2017-18/

A visual exploration of the current N.C. budget: How does state government get its money? How does it use that money? How has that changed over time? And how might that change in the future? 16 CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019 EDUCATION The essential ingredient for a ‘deep education’

the other for the sake of the other. Center for Political Leadership, Aristotle also says that “concord” Innovation, and Service. The — like-mindedness or agreement center created an initiative called — is a “feature of friendship.” the North Carolina Leadership Importantly, Aristotle doesn’t Forum to facilitate conversations mean friends must agree on all on contentious issues. SHANNON WATKINS matters. Rather, they share a gen- Another promising project out COLUMNIST eral unity of purpose toward a com- of POLIS is the “Devil’s Discourse” mon goal. Sharing a common goal, podcast, which records Duke stu- however, doesn’t mean that George dents participating in civil discus- bout a year ago, Prince- and West — or any friends — must sions on contentious issues such as ton philosopher Robert P. always agree on how to reach that abortion, taxes, and immigration. George came to Chapel Hill goal. In terms of their friendship While coordinated events may to speak about civil discourse and as thinkers and scholars, George facilitate a culture of friendly Adiversity of thought with the Uni- and West share the common goal dialogue across ideological lines, versity of North Carolina System of truth-seeking. They are of “one the majority of students don’t Board of Governors. He returned mind” in the sense that they, ac- need officially organized programs Feb. 8, but this time he came with cording to Aristotle, “wish for what to find their “Robby George” or Cornel West, a longtime friend and Indeed, George and West argue to the central goal of all education: is just and advantageous, and seek “Cornel West.” There are count- philosopher at Harvard University, students can’t receive an authenti- the pursuit of truth. In a 2014 it in common.” less opportunities every day to as guest speakers for Duke Univer- cally “deep” or “liberal” education essay, George elaborates: Even though West says true talk with an ideological opponent sity’s Kenan Distinguished Lecture unless they look for opportunities “[Our interlocutors] are friends friendship “cuts much deeper than — whether it be a classmate or in Ethics. to be “challenged and unsettled.” precisely because they challenge any agreement on policy,” the someone handing out fliers on Instead of directing their mes- So even though their talk touched our beliefs and question their professors’ differences in political campus. However one finds these sage to policymakers, George and on the importance of courteously presuppositions. If we are in views should not be downplayed. encounters, the importance of West came to speak face-to-face engaging with one’s intellectual error, they can help lead us in the Arguably, the two professors be- cultivating friendships with those with students, faculty, and resi- opponents, the heart of their mes- direction of truth. If we are on came friends because of their fun- of different convictions is vital for dents. The two spoke about how sage went beyond mere platitudes solid ground, engaging people who damental differences of opinion. true learning to take place. they navigate their vastly different to the importance of civil dis- disagree will deepen and enrich our Over the years, they have taught As academics in a field dedicated political views while maintaining a course. In their view, civil discourse understanding, even if they are the a Great Books seminar together de- to debating ideas, George and West strong friendship, a skill seemingly is much more than politeness or ones in error.” signed to teach students to look at are an ideal example of the traits rare on most college campuses. putting up with others’ opinions. West emphasizes that he and issues from multiple points of view. all discourse — and friendships — Their message and example aren’t Far from simply tolerating those George don’t have a “Disneyland Each professor chooses six primary on college campuses should have: just a much-needed antidote to who challenge one’s beliefs, George kind of friendship.” Instead, they texts for the students, including rooted in a love of truth over opin- an increasingly polarized culture, and West insist that they should be have what he describes as a “deep- Sophocles, St. Augustine, John ion and a respect for the other’s either. It contains an essential in- considered one’s “truest friends.” er kind of friendship, in the Aristo- Dewey, and John Stuart Mill. common humanity. gredient for what George and West Why? Because actively engag- telian sense.” In the Nicomachean Students in North Carolina have call a “deep education”: the desire ing with an ideological opponent Ethics, Aristotle describes friend- ample opportunities to emulate Shannon Watkins is a policy to be challenged in one’s most refines one’s own understanding ship as “reciprocated goodwill,” George and West’s Aristotelian associate at the James G. Martin fundamental beliefs. of an issue and can lead one closer where true friends will the good of friendship. Take Duke University’s Center for Academic Renewal.

The most influential thinkers in our education schools are radicals who adhere to a collectivist, utopian vision.

Read our latest report: The Politicization of University Schools of Education

Download at go.jamesgmartin.center/research or call 919-828-1400 to request a hard copy. CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019 17 EDUCATION Time for a reboot on kids’ online privacy COPPA Rule, broadening personal practices on packaging. It bans information to include “persistent behaviorally targeted marketing to identifiers,” such as cookies track- children. ing online activities, along with What about school impacts? location data, videos, and more. Currently, schools consent on KRISTEN BLAIR Good — but COPPA still treats behalf of parents if children’s COLUMNIST teens like adults. Bad idea. personal information is used Enter new bipartisan “COPPA exclusively within the educational 2.0” legislation, introduced by U.S. context. How teen consent would Sens. Ed Markey and Josh Hawley. work under COPPA 2.0 would need ne in three internet users If passed, COPPA 2.0 would expand to be determined. worldwide is a child under protections, requiring companies to More broadly, other federal laws 18, estimates show. Expect obtain consent from teens before address student privacy. Most that figure to rise as smart toys collecting personal information. states, including North Carolina, Oand all sorts of smart devices fuel That’s a major improvement, have laws safeguarding student constant connection. How will per- says Ariel Fox Johnson, senior privacy. These increasingly cover sonal data, collected today, be used counsel for policy and privacy education technology companies tomorrow? Answers are evolving. at Common Sense Media, which and not just schools, says John- In a marketplace where informa- supports COPPA 2.0. “We don’t son, but the burden often rests tion is money, privacy should be fines against smart toy manufac- at the expense of endangering have consumer privacy protections on schools to monitor providers protected at every turn. turer VTech for collecting personal children.” at a federal level for adults. There’s or have contracts with providers. Invasive or unlawful practices by information from “hundreds of VTech and Musical.ly violated COPPA, and then there’s nothing. Gaps remain. “It’s really important tech companies heighten privacy thousands of children” without the Children’s Online Privacy Pro- You fall off a cliff in terms of pro- to ensure that protection puts the concerns. According to a recent parental consent and failing to tection Act, federal law requiring tection when you hit 13.” liability on the people who are investigation by TechCrunch, secure data. operators of commercial websites COPPA 2.0 strengthens corpo- actually handling student informa- Facebook recruited teens for a so- In February the FTC announced or services to obtain “verifiable rate accountability, setting a more tion and in a position to protect it. called “research” study. Along with a $5.7 million civil penalty against parental consent” before collecting stringent “constructive knowl- In many cases, that’s the ed tech adults, teens as young as 13 were video-sharing app Musical.ly (now personal information from kids edge” standard for companies provider,” says Johnson. paid to install a Virtual Private TikTok). According to a statement under 13. COPPA covers platforms regarding young users. That makes What’s the coin of the digital Network app and give Facebook from two FTC commissioners, targeting children and those with it harder to feign ignorance. “Right realm? Data. When it’s personal extensive visibility into personal Musical.ly collected and exposed “actual knowledge” of child users. now, you have companies stick- — and especially when it belongs and behavioral data. sensitive data, including location, COPPA provides important ing their head in the sand,” says to kids or teens — it should be Facebook’s practices were of young children. “In our view,” protections but should be updated Johnson. protected. dubious (research, really?). Others commissioners wrote, “these and strengthened. Consider that What else? The legislation clearly violate law. In 2018 the Fed- practices reflected the company’s COPPA was enacted two decades requires manufacturers of kids’ Kristen Blair is a Chapel Hill-based eral Trade Commission announced willingness to pursue growth even ago. In 2012 the FTC updated the connected devices to disclose data education writer. UNC System schools profiting off unused student meals

If ASU allowed freshmen to buy students became sophomores and Costs of Meal Plans Unused Student Funds, 2017-2018 a low plan instead of a standard weren’t required to buy a meal Cheapest Plan Most Popular Plan plan, it could help students budget plan, purchases fell from 3,249 better and get more value from to 747 in fall 2018, a 77 percent $2,500 Appalachian State...... $208,000 their meals. decrease. East Carolina...... $63,268 The Appalachian, ASU’s student To help students lower their ANTHONY HENNEN N.C. State...... N/A newspaper, noted that students food costs, some reforms are COLUMNIST $2,000 UNC-Chapel Hill...... $1,705,504 set up a Facebook group to sell obvious. Schools could abolish UNC-Charlotte...... $62,092 unused meal-plan money at a dis- meal plans, make them voluntary, $1,500 count or give it away for free. or offer a low-cost “value” plan. COLLEGE MEAL PLANS can help UNC-Chapel Hill has one major Limited, cheaper plans are already students avoid buying groceries Total Meal Plans Purchased, difference in its meal plans — available to nontraditional stu- and cooking for themselves — $1,000 2017-2018* choice. Of the five UNC schools dents. N.C. State, for example, of- but they can also cost thousands in this Martin Center analysis, fers meal plans for varsity athletes of dollars each semester. In the $500 Appalachian State...... 11,869 Chapel Hill is the only one that that can be as cheap as $730 for University of North Carolina East Carolina...... 11,352 doesn’t require students to buy a 80 meals. Students could add more System, some students get a N.C .State...... 14,689 meal plan. Not many students opt funds to their meal plan instead of relative bargain, but others pay 60 $0 out, though. About 90 percent of getting locked into a high-priced percent more with fewer spending UNC-Chapel Hill...... N/A on-campus freshmen and 79 per- plan they won’t fully use. Univer- options. UNC-Charlotte...... $9,542 cent of sophomores bought a meal sities could also distance them-

Even though some UNC cam- N.C. State plan in fall 2018. selves from meal provision. *Excludes commuter/off-campus student plans. puses take in hundreds of thou- East Carolina Across campuses, freshman Meal plans can be a significant UNC-Charlotte sands of dollars in unspent funds UNC-Chapel Hill students get the worst bargain cost and add to a student’s debt Appalachian State from meal plans, most students for meal plans. They’re usually load. For many students, saving can’t opt out. compelled to buy a meal plan and $1,000 — or even $500 — per se- A Martin Center analysis of the aren’t allowed to buy the cheapest mester is a major boon. It could be five largest public N.C. univer- plans. At UNC-Charlotte, for in- the difference between graduating sities — UNC-Chapel Hill, N.C. stance, seniors can buy an 85-meal or dropping out. UNC adminis- State University, East Carolina but universities would have to for- four options, from a “low” plan plan with $300 in flexible spend- trators should be aware of how University, UNC-Charlotte, and feit an easy source of revenue. ($1,055) to a “super” plan ($1,917). ing for $1,205, but the cheapest much a change can benefit their Appalachian State University — For cost, flexibility, and lost But freshmen can’t buy a low option for freshmen is a 160-meal students. found ASU offers a fair deal, but funds, Appalachian State serves plan. Many buy a standard plan plan with $300 in flexible spend- other campuses make saving on its students best — by far. Meal ($1,357), the cheapest alternative, ing for $2,170. And freshman meal Anthony Hennen is writer/editor meal costs difficult. Some simple plans are required for on-campus and 73 percent of all plans pur- plans composed 60 percent of total at the James G. Martin Center for reforms could benefit students, students, who choose among chased in 2017-18. meal plan sales in fall 2017. When Academic Renewal. 18 CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019 TAXATION National tax reformer: N.C. is example for other states MK: Does the state “Oh, well, our supply-side remain a role model for tax cuts, which did create tax reformers across growth and jobs, is really the country? Are other on steroids and much faster states following our lead than we expected.” And or setting even better then they decided to go examples? increase spending based on the higher projections, GN: Look, a lot of people which then got you the talk about Texas — no backlash from the es- income tax. Florida — no tablishment press and income tax. Nevada — no from Democrats and from income tax. Tennessee — weak-willed Republicans, no income tax. And that’s who said, “Oh, no, now important. But what the we have to get rid of not other states really need is the overspending but the the model of how to get tax cut.” They undid their there. It doesn’t do any good tax cut by overestimating to tell you somebody else and increasing spending. is at the mountain top if I think you’re much better

you’re at the bottom. PHOTO FILE CJ off reacting very slowly to What North Carolina Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform says North Carolina remains a model for reformers sudden increases in income. Grover Norquist has done is [it has] been a across the country. When you see them lasting, President model for other states. As I that’s the time to start, then Americans for Tax Reform travel around the country, again, [to] bring the taxes people say, “I want to be what North Carolina did.” — as many do — or expand are they promising for the down a little, a little more. Texas. I want to be Flori- I’ve been in Oklahoma, and here, which is probably future? Governments tend North Carolina has attracted MK: national attention for its tax da. But I want to do it like people said, “We ought to more frequent, are looking to grow by saying, “Well, Following up on policies since 2013. Grover North Carolina.” And they be like North Carolina.” at the franchise tax and we don’t want to raise that: For North Carolina, Norquist, president of see the model: bringing So it is helping North going, “You know, on the spending now. So, tell you obviously we’re interested Americans for Tax Reform, says individual and the corpo- Carolina citizens with other border we don’t have what, we’ll raise your pen- in keeping the tax rates the Tar Heel State continues to rate income tax down with its approach — step-by- the franchise tax.” But sion.” So 30 years from now, as low as possible and serve as a positive example for repeated reductions, tying step approach — to get to if they know that North when I'm dead, the mayor seeing government have reformers across the country. it to revenue growth. As zero personal income tax Carolina decided it’s going will have to raise taxes to the money it needs to He explained North Carolina’s revenue hits this number, or corporate income tax. [away], that’s a big incen- pay for the city pensions. run. From the national successful approach to reform then we’ll bring the cor- You’re certainly reaping the tive to invest in job creation So watching for promises perspective, how during an interview with Mitch porate rate down and the benefits of investment and in North Carolina. of spending in the future important is it to you that individual rate down. That migration from other states is every bit as important North Carolina continue on Kokai for Carolina Journal MK: Radio. way you never get ahead of — from high-tax states — I want to loop back to — maybe more important this path and not become your ski tips. into North Carolina. But something you mentioned — than focusing on let’s not another Kansas? The counterexample was you’re also benefiting the earlier. That is: While raise spending right now. GN: Kansas, which had some rest of the country. tax rates have gone down It’s extremely import- MK: dramatic reductions. … — a big drop at first, and As we talk to some ant because states that MK: They had a problem with You mentioned that then incrementally since of the lawmakers who crash and burn often come the [state] Supreme Court, you talk to people in other then — the North Carolina have been involved in this to Washington and want to which mandated hundreds states who would like to government has also process and have been loot the rest of the country. of millions of dollars of get to the zero point and focused on keeping a lid on involved in cutting the Solid, pro-growth, stable, spending. So they … weren’t use North Carolina’s path spending increases in the rates, occasionally you’ll functioning states are the focused on reining in to get there. Are there any budget. How important is hear someone who says, bulwark against bailing spending at the same time other states that you’re that? “You know, we’ve cut the out California when it goes that they were quite under- seeing now that you say, rates, and our revenues bankrupt. Who is going to GN: standably correctly focused “OK, North Carolina, you It’s very important to have gone up. So we really say no when Illinois goes, on bringing down taxes. started this ball, but now keep spending down and to don’t need to worry that “We need money, we’re So North Carolina has you ought to be watching trend it down, to constantly much about the spending bankrupt”? The answer is: done it — steady as she what this state’s doing and check because government side.” Why are they Go bankrupt, like General goes. Two steps forward. follow their lead”? spending creeps up if you thinking in the wrong way Motors should have. Three steps forward. No don’t do anything. It’s like if that’s the way they’re It’s very important that GN: steps back, but just not A number of states middle-aged people gain thinking? some states get it right throwing a Hail Mary pass. have gotten rid of their weight if they don’t do because you need good GN: Three yards and a cloud franchise taxes, which is a something. You have to A couple things hap- examples. Throughout of dust. And every single particularly destructive tax. actively decide you’re not pened. That’s what hap- history people look at step has been reasonable, Seventeen states still have going to gain weight. Ev- pened to Connecticut and heroes as good examples in understandable. Only the it. But even many of those erybody in the government Kansas. When [then-Pres- their own personal life. But thoroughly dishonest left are looking to phase it out. thinks that if they had more ident] Obama said we are how do you live your life? argues that the world’s Mississippi is, I think, four money, they could do x, y, going to raise capital gains How do you run your state? going to go to Hades. years into a 10-year phase- or z. And they all fight for taxes in January, a lot of You’ve got to look around at No, it’s a very modest out of their franchise tax. it. They all recognize that people sold stock. In the the other 49 states and say shift — down, down, lower, Let’s say we can’t “afford” it’s a waste of money to last quarter of I believe it “Let’s be like North Carolina. lower on corporate and to get rid of it in one year. spend it someplace else. But was 2011, Connecticut got Let’s be like Arizona. Let’s be individual rates. North OK. Stretch it out. How they don’t have the same $400 million more than like Texas. Let’s not be like Carolina used to be the many years do you think self-knowledge in their own they expected. And they go, Illinois.” The more good ex- high-tax state in the region you can take a bite of the department. “We’re rich. We have this amples there are, the more in income taxes. Now, it’s a apple each year? So having an ethos that permanent $400 million a credible they are. … Over lower-tax state and clearly But make it a clear path you weigh yourself every quarter … coming in.” They time, some states perform Listen to this and other en route to zero. I was in to zero, not “We’ll cut it a morning, keep checking. missed that it was all driven better than others because interviews online: Arizona, and people were little bit.” People looking to How much is the govern- by a one-time change. they have lower taxes, less www.carolinajournal.com/radio saying, “We ought to do move into North Carolina ment spending, and what In Kansas, … they said, regulation. CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019 19 FIRST AMENDMENT Leader in defending press freedom discusses N.C. laws KT: You’ve had significant rights. We should ask, “How to economic development INTERVIEW experiences in the space of do you feel about improving and incentive records. All government transparency public-records law?” It’s the deals that are cut and and public records. What just an open question we the money that is offered is the overwhelming could ask everybody. And [to big companies]. It would attitude of public officials you might get some waf- be nice to see what they’re toward public-records and fling, but if [political can- offering, but also see what open-meetings laws? Are didates] get where you’re they’re being offered before we in a more transparent coming from, maybe they’ll they get it. [Companies] say government space, or is it be true to their promises. they can’t stay in the game more closed-off than ever? I’ve learned the hard way competitively when they that you can’t count on do that. I don’t believe that. JB: John Bussian We live in a place, a a lot of things people tell You go to some other states, Principal country, that so values free you face-to-face, and I try and they do it. And this is Bussian Law Firm press and free-speech rights not to be jaded about that. another thing we could do: that it sets us apart from the But eventually you’d like We could put a fuse in the world — and we all enjoy to think there would be a law that would say [govern- John Bussian is the principal the same privileges that groundswell of people who ment agencies] would have of the Bussian Law Firm, which way. To some degree, that’s feel they have the right to to respond and produce specializes in media litigation true. But when we get down CARRINGTON DON know [about government records within 20 days. We and has long been a national to the “right to know” about JOHN BUSSIAN. Bussian is the principal of the Bussian Law Firm, actions]. Most people don’t don’t have that kind of fuse leader in defending the First government, for most peo- which specializes in media litigation. He sat down with CJ for an know that we’re in the in our law. Florida does. Amendment. ple, it really comes down to interview in February. bottom 10 states in the Texas does. It’s an easy Bussian and the firm, as its how much access they have country when it comes to thing to do. So why not? website says, have litigated to meetings and records this stuff. The average per- KT: myriad libel and open from local governments. son relies on [journalists] to Traditional newsrooms government issues, as well Most people don’t get this most recent election give them access to really continue shrinking, as subpoenas directed to into the conversation about Most people don’t — as far as advocates for important stuff, but they making transparency in newsrooms, courtroom and what’s going on in Wash- the [public’s] right to know. need to understand that government harder to court records access disputes, ington. For the average know that we’re [Those lawmakers] are few [journalists are] working pursue. How can non- and circulation, advertising, person, it’s about what’s in the bottom and far between. Part of it, with at least one hand journalist residents keep and intellectual property happening at home, in your truthfully, is that if you run tied behind [their] back. tabs on what’s going on matters in state and federal city, or your town, or your 10 states in the a bill in this climate right To get the public to value in their town, county, and courts across the country. county, or your capital. So country when now … until you know who that enough to vote for the state? The firm representsCarolina depending on where you is really behind you and woman who wants [more JB: Journal, as well as McClatchy live, you can have great it comes to this how much you can count public records] and against Ground level, there’s got newspapers — publisher of the access, and you have public stuff. on them, our opponents are the guy who doesn’t — to be a surrogate [informa- News & Observer — and other officials in some state just as likely to come out of that’s a tough thing. tion source]. I just don’t North Carolina newspapers legislatures that generally the weeds and say, “Forget think the average person KT: and media interests in Florida, support those traditions. about improving it. We What three simple can take time out of his or Texas, and Kentucky, as well as I’ll start with the best of instead of supporting those want to roll it back.” changes would you make her job or working life to sit newspapers of the N.C. Press the best: Florida, followed core records and meetings You go talk to some in N.C. law to expand down and focus on what Association and the Southern by maybe Texas, and Ohio, that we’d like to see. You people in [state] leadership, access to public records? they need to be watching Newspaper Publishers’ and California. You can line can’t find a lot of people at and they’ll say, “We think and ask why. [When it JB: Association. up about 35 other states this state’s capital who want the press and the public [I would like to see] hir- comes to] government and The firm also specializes behind those. For example, to go and pass a law that abuse their public-records ing, firing, and performance economic development in business litigation and you could walk into [any would give us the same ac- rights. They ask us for too records for obvious reasons. incentives, if people knew intellectual property. government] in Florida cess people have in Florida. much stuff. And the scope So that’s three things — but how much it was going to and ask for the personnel The public-sector groups is too broad, and it costs it’s really one: access to cost them, how much we Bussian, who holds a bachelor’s file of somebody, … and that surround a lot of this too much money, and we government personnel files. were promising to spend degree from Duke University, they would hand it to you. conversation ... are lined don’t have the people to do Information that matters. per job we create, they earned his juris doctorate It’s a travesty, really, that up against [transparency] it, so let’s put some brakes Name, rank, and serial might go, “Heck, you can from Georgetown University in you don’t have that right at every turn. The teach- on this.” number, great. Previously, write a check to everybody Washington, D.C. He sat down in North Carolina. So it ers. The sheriffs. The state The danger in running we couldn’t get access to in North Carolina for $100 with CJ Associate Editor Kari puts North Carolina in the employees. The League of one of these bills right compensation records for and you’d still save mon- Travis in February to discuss bottom 10 states in the Municipalities. The county now is that it could make even the highest level of ey — versus what they’re the state of government country when it comes to commissioners. The list goes matters worse. So it’s a big government employees. All handing out to these big transparency and the misuse the most important things on. They absolutely stand political calculation about you could get was “current companies.” Now, I know of public records laws in North that most journalists value, in the road when it comes when to do this. I think salary.” The state hospital it’s not that simple, but Carolina. and that most people would to [us] seeing their perfor- we’re probably a couple system had all these highly people actually might react value if they really under- mance records, their hiring years away from having paid officers and executives, if they knew. stood what they are — and records, their termination the juice to make one of and they had boxes that But they’re not going to aren’t — getting to see. records. It’s crazy. these improvements fly. they would give for Caroli- go ask the Department of Can we see hiring, firing, They work for us. So it’s Right now, we’re just trying na Panthers games. But you Commerce for this stuff, and performance records for an outrage. to make sure it doesn’t get couldn’t get access to that and if you’re not there, and all our government officials worse. information, and it took somebody else isn’t there to KT: at the local and state level? What is your policy an act of the legislature do it for them, I just don’t KT: As far as North Carolina agenda this year? What How do we to get the public the right know where we would be goes, no, you can’t. ... There proposals are you bringing help politicians see to see who is getting paid in this conversation. So, is a lot that needs to be before the General transparency as politically what. We made a little bit the average person needs improved when it comes Assembly? expedient? of headway 10 years ago. to value Carolina Journal or to the state public-records There has been no headway whoever is doing research JB: JB: and open-meetings laws. We are really just trying It would be great if since then, so we really in their community. Most lawmakers have fallen to hold the ground we have. we could get everybody would want that. I hate to say it, but most This interview was edited for into the rut of supporting Right now, we are trying to committed before they run I would love to see us get people can’t connect the clarity and space. this odd culture of secrecy sort out who is left — after to support [public-records] complete, unfettered access dots on their own. 20 CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019 EDITORIAL Respond wisely to offensive speech

few weeks ago, a Palestin- As distressing as these events accept time, place, and manner responsibly. Sponsoring organi- the video Horowitz produced ian hip-hop artist named are, they have created a teachable restrictions that serve to facilitate zations demanded that they be had been “heavily edited” and Tamer Nafir performed moment about freedom of speech and protect free expression on removed as listed co-sponsors “misconstrues the breadth of dis- what he himself labeled an “an- on public property. campus. of the conference and that any course that took place during the Ati-Semitic” rap during a conference At press time, it appears no For example, not everyone can money they spent promoting or panels.” When Carolina Journal‘s held at UNC-Chapel Hill. “You UNC official or outside critics, in- speak, hold an event, or march in staging it be refunded. Martin Kari Travis asked for proof of this look beautifully anti-Semitic,” he cluding Horowitz, have said Nafir precisely the same place at the Brinkley, dean of the law school, assertion, she was told the confer- told the audience as it sang and or others espousing anti-Semitic same time. A scheduling sys- accused the UNC Center for Mid- ence had not been recorded. clapped along. or anti-Israel views should be tem is not only permissible but dle East and Islamic Studies of a Horowitz didn’t record the The interim chancellor of UNC- banned from speaking at a public necessary so long as it applies “breach of trust” with its campus entire event, either — because the CH, Kevin Guskiewicz, said he was university. Nafir didn’t exhort the strictly to scarce public spaces colleagues. So it was. organizers booted him from the “heartbroken and deeply offended audience to commit violence. He and is administered fairly. Related The organizers of the con- public event, even though he was that this performance happened.” didn’t threaten anyone. Regard- to that, freedom of speech does ference joined Guskiewicz in not exercising a heckler’s veto or Other critics reacted similarly less of whether you think his not extend to a “heckler’s veto.” condemning anti-Semitism. otherwise disrupting it. A teach- after viewing a video by filmmaker words were facially and appall- If a student group schedules a But they also contended that able moment, indeed. Ami Horowitz that depicted not ingly anti-Semitic, or clumsily speaker on campus and you show only Nafir’s song but also offensive worded satire, or just ill-informed up to shout down or obstruct the statements made by others partici- and awkward expressions of speaker, you aren’t exercising free pating in the “Conflict Over Gaza” Palestinian rage, they constituted speech. You’re trying to shut it conference, which was held March protected speech. down. Removing you is, again, not 22-24 by, among others, the UNC On public property, in par- just permissible but necessary to Center for Middle East and Islamic ticular, freedom of speech isn’t protect freedom of speech. Studies and co-sponsored by a constrained by intentions or As for the other recent in- wide range of university depart- offensiveness. If you want to cidents, obviously freedom of ments. grunt out an anti-Semitic rap on expression does not extend to The three-minute Horowitz private property, the owner can defacing monuments or artwork. video, inevitably, went viral. Local boot you off of it. But if you are Posting announcements of up- television stations and, eventually, otherwise complying with the coming events on a bulletin board other media outlets covered the rules and expressing yourself on may be permissible, but simply controversy, which came on the public property, no such response throwing anti-Semitic fliers heels of other troubling incidents is permissible. around tables in the library isn’t on campus, such as racist graffiti With what rules must you freedom of speech. It’s littering. scrawled on the Unsung Founders comply? Again, you can’t exhort To their credit, UNC adminis- Memorial and anti-Semitic posters people to violence or criminali- trators reacted to the “Conflict discovered in the graduate library. ty. In addition, you may have to Over Gaza” incident swiftly and

LOGIC | FACTS | HUMOR | COMMON SENSE LOCKE HEADA JOHN LOCKE FOUNDATION PODCAST A no-holds-barred discussion on individual liberty and free markets.

Listen at www.johnlocke.org/podcast CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019 21 COMMENTARY BY JOHN HOOD Train and pay Coerced funding bad for politics principals fter Durham businessman no way to stamp out large-scale Greg Lindberg, state GOP expenditures used to express wisely Chairman Robin Hayes, opinions about candidates, and two of Lindberg’s business parties, legislation, or political continued from PAGE 2 Aassociates were indicted in an causes. Unless we repeal the alleged bribery scheme, advo- First Amendment, individuals cates of government-funded will always retain the right to include a full-time residency. And campaigns scurried to restate express their own views, to give once principals are trained and their argument. But the latest in- money to others to express those placed, they should be carefully cident doesn’t make it any more views on their behalf, and to evaluated and compensated based persuasive. form voluntary associations that on performance, not longevity. Lindberg is accused of offering have as one of their roles the col- I have just described North Car- Republican Insurance Commis- lective expression of such views. olina’s emerging strategy. In 2015, sioner Mike Causey money in If individuals or the associa- the General Assembly enacted exchange for favorable regulations they form can give mon- legislation to identify and fund tory treatment. Causey is a hero ey directly to candidates and high-quality principal-prepara- in the story, not a conspirator. parties, in sums large enough to tion programs. There are now five When Lindberg and his associ- communicate effectively with regional programs, each tied to a ates came calling, shortly after voters, they’ll do it. As govern- campus. When fully implemented, Causey’s election in 2016, the ment obstructs that flow, the they’ll be turning out about 250 insurance commissioner went to money will divert into indepen- new school leaders every year. law enforcement and ultimately dent-expenditure groups that are BEST NC, an education reform helped run the sting operation less transparent — and removed, group comprising business leaders that nabbed Lindberg. by law, from the control of the across North Carolina, has cham- The money Lindberg appar- candidates who are their intend- pioned this new Transforming ently offered to pay for Causey’s give money to political parties, to but can’t treat politics as their ed beneficiaries. Principal Preparation Program as favor would not have consisted party committees, to political ac- primary activity. Both effects harm the political well as other components such as of personal cash under the table. tion committees that give to can- Advocates of govern- process. raising principal pay and tying it Rather, he would have given $2 didates, to so-called super PACS ment-funded elections argue We can combat political closely to performance. It argues million in contributions to aid that don’t make contributions large-dollar gifts by wealthy corruption without further that the next step should be to Causey’s expected 2020 run for but instead conduct independent individuals or powerful interest expanding the coercive power of consolidate TP3 and the state’s re-election, going beyond just expenditures on behalf of can- groups are inherently corrupt- government. It shouldn’t fund other investment in this area, the “hard money” (individual gifts didates, and to nonprofit forms ing. They want to dramatically political speech. And it shouldn’t Principal Fellows program. to Causey’s campaign) to include such as 501(c)(4) social-welfare reduce or eliminate “soft money” forbid the private funding of po- In all candor, we should not ex- large-dollar gifts to other entities organizations, 501(c)(5) labor in all its forms, and to lower litical speech. What it should do pect any one set of policy changes to expend on Causey’s behalf. organizations, or 501(c)(6) trade the cap on hard-money gifts to is investigate and punish bribery to transform N.C. education. It is a Money can flow into politics associations that can engage in candidates. schemes like that one alleged in massive, complicated enterprise. in a variety of ways. Donors can some kinds of political speech But in a free society there’s the Lindberg case. Principals matter, to be sure, but so do lots of other factors. And even TRANSPORTATION the studies revealing statistical correlations between principal quality and student success should be interpreted with care. For example, a study published Rail transit doesn’t fit state last year in the journal Education IF YOU LIVE Economics looked at the effects somewhere other low end of the “smart growth” leigh-Cary, and Greensboro-High of principals on outcomes in N.C. than the western side of North spectrum: Raleigh-Cary (ranking Point — the share of jobs within elementary schools. It found that Carolina’s Research Triangle North 155 out of 221 places evaluated), three miles of the urban core was principals had “a large effect on region, you may not have thought Wilmington (180), Asheville lower in 2010 than it was in 2000. students’ math and reading test that a long-planned light-rail line Carolina’s (183), Durham-Chapel Hill (191), Those declines in job concentra- scores.” However, the effect got between Durham and Chapel communities Charlotte-Gastonia (197), Fay- tion were larger in North Carolina smaller when the researchers Hill had much to do with you. So etteville (203), Greensboro-High than for the nation as a whole. took the performance of individ- when the $3 billion-plus project are polycentric. Point (208), Winston-Salem No mix of public policies, no ual schools into consideration. In met its demise a few weeks ago, (209), and Hickory-Morgan- matter how radical or costly, other words, “much of the principal you may not have taken much They don’t look ton-Lenoir (dead last at 221) could change these underlying effect we observe might be related notice. Our state’s dispersed settle- realities very much even if such a to the match between principal The truth is that even if you like spokes ment patterns aren’t simply goal were desirable. and school, rather than an effect live in Durham and Orange around a hub. the result of zoning laws or North Carolina’s communities that principals can carry from one counties, the proposed 18-mile road-building guiding residential are polycentric. They don’t look school to another.” transit line would primarily have development. They reflect the like spokes around a hub. We’ll The authors didn’t conclude that affected your wallet, not your dai- dispersal of employment. see plenty of mixed-use develop- improving overall principal quality ly commute or lifestyle. That the Maps of daily commuting ments crop up, but those places would have no effect on education- project was incompatible with is from Smart Growth America, a patterns within and among N.C. will be dispersed as well, not al outcomes. It would boost those the basic facts on the ground was group that advocates pro-density, counties resemble not so much a clumped into urban cores. And outcomes. What the study shows, its fatal flaw. pro-rail policies. It computes a trunk with branches as a dense we’ll continue to see rural places however, is that it is also important North Carolina is a populous, “sprawl index” for metropolitan thicket. become suburban ones. to study and replicate effective fast-growing, and urbanizing areas across the country, taking Moreover, jobs are getting more Automobility will remain the matches between specific princi- state. But that doesn’t mean our into account such factors as dispersed, not less. A 2016 report default preference. But to the pals and schools. settlement patterns are friendly density, street grids, walkability, from the Brookings Institution extent North Carolinians volun- Sounds like a job for school to large-scale rail transit, or likely and the proximity of employment looked at the proximity of jobs to tarily give up driving, the options superintendents — another set of ever to become so. Our “urban” centers to residences. central business districts in the best suited to their needs will leaders whose effectiveness is of counties are suburban places for In the most recent study, North nation’s 100 most-populous met- include buses, vans, ridesharing, critical importance. the most part. Carolina contained a dispropor- ros. In all three N.C. metros cov- and telecommuting. Railroads ar- Consider two sets of data. One tionate number of metros at the ered — Charlotte-Gastonia, Ra- en’t the future. They’re the past. 22 CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019 COMMENTARY Prohibition arguments hold no place for lawmakers today

merged boards are more likely to Amendments from Boles to be profitable, operating costs are allow consumers to special order lower, and they are typically more a single bottle from an ABC store efficient. — now you have to order by the Language in the original bill case — and to make it easier for would have the boards merge, but, businesses to transport liquor sans JOHN TRUMP through an amendment proposed the ABC, were successful, and the MANAGING EDITOR by Rep. Pat Hurley, R-Randolph, the bill moved on. provision was removed. Rep. Jamie Hurley also proposed during the Boles, R-Moore, suggested capping meeting an amendment that would s I listened to a N.C. House the number of boards in the state remove from the bill tastings at committee discuss an at 170. liquor stores and the possibility of alcohol bill, I thought about ABC boards are problematic for Sunday sales, reminding another how America debated the 18th myriad reasons. They are political- lawmaker of the old “blue laws.” AAmendment. ly entrenched entities that operate She says people have six days to In 1917, and for years after that. independently and with little state buy liquor, and that’s enough. I thought about how we spoke to supervision. They hold immense Thing is, it’s not for her to decide. each other — those influenced by political sway, which, say critics, It’s up to the market, an idea re- the Women’s Christian Temperance can very well lead to favoritism, flected in West Virginia’s decision Union and the Anti-Saloon League. cronyism, and, ultimately, corrup- this year to allow Sunday sales, Those from worlds where alcohol alcohol, particularly liquor, is potential of our craft distillers, and tion. and for Virginia to open ABC stores was an inherent part of their cul- broken. I’ve said this many times, the potential tourism dollars they Yet many of the boards generate beginning Sunday at 10 a.m. ture, and the entrepreneurs whose as have my colleagues at the John could bring, if only our laws would money for their respective com- Both of Hurley’s proposals failed hard work and brilliant formulas Locke Foundation. allow. munities, which, board proponents badly. were just starting to matter. Such meetings with liquor as H.B. 91 is a product of a study by argue, can’t possibly be replaced. Maybe, I thought, North Carolina I imagined what people were the focus, including this one of the Program Evaluation Division, I would disagree, but there’s little is truly making progress toward thinking when they voted to the House Alcoholic Beverage which suggested merging Alco- point in debating this because — reforming its arcane ABC laws. prohibit alcohol, in their states and Committee, seem almost formulaic holic Beverage Control boards in save a bold legislative move — the Maybe we’ve moved far enough then in their country. I wondered in nature. The same people make counties with multiple boards. board system isn’t going away. beyond the failed experiment of how lawmakers overrode a pres- the same arguments, both for and Brunswick County, for instance, Hurley, let’s understand, opposes Prohibition that arguments for idential veto to pass an enforce- against. At one point April 15, as has nine ABC boards. Wake and any move that, she deems, pro- Prohibition from 1917 proposed ment act with claws so sharp as to the House members debated House Mecklenburg counties, the state’s motes alcohol or makes it easier for today are no longer debated but leave a deep, festering gash that Bill 91, I became disheartened, most populous, have one apiece. people to buy it. rather summarily cast aside and took years to heal. wondering aloud whether North Carol Shaw, the PED’s principal Here I began thinking about the forgotten. The way North Carolina governs Carolina would ever realize the program evaluator, told lawmakers arguments for Prohibition. Maybe. You decide: How does N.C. stack up on taxes?

In terms of actual dollars paid, originated from a variety of smaller in 2019, an increase much faster gas tax to fund highways. Many North Carolina’s state tax bill per taxes and fees. than general inflation. In terms of other states also use property and person was $4,635 in 2010 and Compared to the average of all North Carolina’s ranking among general sales tax revenue. $5,178 in 2017. Although this was states, North Carolina raises rela- the states, North Carolina’s gas tax Before I close, I want to add an- an increase of 11.7%, the higher tively more from individual income rate rose from 14th highest in 2010 other personal note. Besides Facts MICHAEL WALDEN tax bill was less than the period’s and general sales taxes and takes to 13th highest today. and Figures, I also anxiously await COLUMNIST 12.3% inflation rate. Adjusted for in relatively less from property and There are two major factors the new John Grisham legal thriller inflation, North Carolina’s per per- corporate income taxes, as well as behind the big jump in our gas tax. each year. son tax bill fell from 2010 to 2017. from other taxes and fees. One is to counter the increasing I NEED TO remind you I’m an If local North Carolina taxes Some of these differences have fuel efficiency of vehicles, which Michael Walden is a Reynolds economist. I say this so you’re not are added to the state tax bill, the gotten larger this decade. In 2010 means more miles are driven per Distinguished Professor at N.C. State shocked with my next statement. results are slightly different. North North Carolina’s income tax on gallon. The second is because University. He does not speak for the Each year I look forward to the Carolina’s ranking of state and corporations was higher than the North Carolina relies more on the university. Tax Foundation’s new Facts and local taxes per capita did drop rel- national average for states. By Figures: How Does Your State Com- ative to other states. But in terms 2016 the rate was among the low- pare? It’s a wonderful publication of the dollar amount, the combined est for states that have a corporate because it gives updated numbers state and local tax bill in North income tax. The difference was for each state on a variety of tax Carolina rose, even after adjust- made up by increasing the share of information. If you collect several ing for inflation. This means the public revenue from the individual years of Facts and Figures, you reduction in taxes at the state level income and sales taxes. can compare how a state’s taxes was partially offset by increases in This shift was part of a strategy change over time. local taxes. to make the state more attractive So let’s delve into some tax facts Now let’s bore down to the kinds to businesses by lowering the tax for North Carolina. In examining of taxes North Carolina uses, how burden on corporations. trends, I’ll compare the latest they have changed, and how the There’s one tax most of us pay data — usually for 2017 — to 2010, changes compare to other states. almost every week that I haven’t which was the first year after the Here I will use state and local taxes discussed. This is the gas tax we’re Great Recession. combined. charged as we fill up at the pump. First the big picture. In 2017, In 2016 (the latest year avail- Most states — including North North Carolina ranked 41st among able), about 30% of North Caro- Carolina — put this revenue in a states in state public revenue per lina’s tax revenue was from the separate account apart from other capita (per person). Most of this individual income tax, one-fourth tax revenue. revenue is from taxes, but some is came from the general sales tax, North Carolina’s gas tax per gal- also from fees and licenses. In 2010 another one-fourth was raised lon rose from 11.8 cents per gallon the state’s ranking was 39th. by the property tax, and the rest in 2010 to 18.05 cents per gallon CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019 23 COMMENTARY A ballooning federal debt no one is talking about have come up with an economic border wall with Mexico that will model to justify their ambitions. cost about $60 billion. In the mean- Modern monetary theory asserts time, he will not even contemplate the magnitude of debt doesn’t desperately needed reform to matter because countries print Medicare and Social Security. Left money and can therefore always untouched, the big entitlement ANDY TAYLOR pay creditors. Policymakers just programs will cripple the budget COLUMNIST need to be cognizant of inflation. over the next several decades. To prevent overheating, they can Trump is running the country as tax and issue bonds. he ran his original business. Real he only thing more worrying The Republicans used to check estate relies on debt, not equity. than the federal govern- Democratic profligacy. President Borrowing permitted the president ment’s recent announce- Eisenhower helped produce two to accumulate properties in the ex- ment that the debt had reached years of surpluses during his pensive and generally healthy New T$22 trillion, or 104 percent of gross presidency. Known traditionally as York City market. So long as their domestic product, was that it gen- fiscal conservatives, Republicans paper value continued to grow, all erated such little attention. became less concerned with debts was good. In the 1980s and 1990s, by con- and deficits during the 1980s. Unfortunately, the American trast, the issue was a central fea- Even President Reagan, however, economy doesn’t work that way ture of the national conversation. despite his commitment to win- — at least it has not for the past Congressional leaders from both and Social Security. In concert fiscal policy of the Clinton years. ning the Cold War and embrace of decade. We are in a prolonged parties crafted a series of proce- with his sworn enemy, Republican The Committee for a Responsible supply-side tax cuts, periodically period of slow growth and meager dural innovations designed to keep House Speaker Newt Gingrich, the Budget estimates Medicare for All, touched the brakes on the deficit. increases in productivity. As the the debt in check. These included president pushed through Congress a policy wildly popular among the He signed strategic tax increases size of our obligations to creditors the 1985 Gramm-Rudman-Hollings a budget that generated a surplus party’s 2020 presidential candi- into law in 1982, 1984, and 1987. grows, so our ability to pay them plan that triggered automatic cuts between 1997 and 2001. dates, will cost around $3 trillion President Trump has absolute- cheaply and with promises of and the George H.W. Bush budget Presidents Bush and Obama annually. That is roughly 75 ly no inclination to worry about future benefits diminishes. Debt — famous for his “no new taxes” were interested in other matters — percent of the current budget. The debt and deficits. The 2017 tax service costs are currently 10 line — that increased revenue prosecuting the War on Terror and estimated price tag of the Green bill has assisted economic growth percent of expenditures, and in and established a pay-as-you-go health-care reform among them. New Deal — a grab bag of qua- a little but, in the short term at 2023 they will be larger than the requirement to any new spending. But at least they periodically dis- si-socialist policies loosely related least, has reduced revenue. He also defense budget. Every one percent- Ross Perot thrust the topic cussed deficits and the debt. Bush to environmental concerns and lacks discipline on the spending age-point loss in GDP growth costs to the center of the 1992 presi- reduced the deficit to just $161 sponsored by Sen. Edward Markey side. In a purely symbolic ges- the government about $10 billion. dential campaign. The debt was billion in 2007 — less than what of Massachusetts and Rep. Alexan- ture, the president has asked his As U.S. interest rates decline, for- then around $4 trillion, but Perot, it had been in 1983 — despite Iraq dria Ocasio-Cortez of New York — cabinet secretaries to reduce their eign investors look elsewhere for despite finishing third, received and Afghanistan. Then the finan- is astronomical. American Action departments’ expenditures. The returns. We are slowly falling into a 19 percent of the popular vote and cial crisis hit. Still, by the time he Forum calculates it will blow a $50 large cuts he has proposed to the fiscal death spiral. forced the next president’s hand on left office Obama had reduced the trillion to $90 trillion hole in the Environmental Protection Agency fiscal issues. President Clinton pur- deficit by two-thirds from the $1.4 federal budget over 10 years — and and State Department in his 2020 Andy Taylor is a professor of political sued cuts in defense and domestic trillion level it attained in 2009. that excludes the plan’s pernicious budget are unrealistic. science at the School of International spending and increased taxes on Now we have given up. Dem- effects on the broader economy. Trump has increased military and Public Affairs at N.C. State high earners, corporations, fuel, ocrats are uninterested in the Worse, the Democrats seem to outlays significantly. He wants a University. Saving money now so we’ll be ready when the next storm hits

the state in even worse shape, people affected by the storms. billion. Other experts recommend long-term funding commitment and it took every bit of savings, The General Assembly has taken 15% or $ 3.6 billion. that must be sustained over years. furloughing teachers, and raising $756 million out of the rainy-day There are other things to look Lawmakers should tread lightly taxes just to get through. fund, most for hurricane recovery for that are indicative of fiscal dis- when considering new commit- Then, at the beginning of the efforts. cipline and responsible budgeting. ments for expanded entitlement 2011-12 budget cycle, came a As the General Assembly crafts Shoring up the pension and state programs dependent on federal BECKI GRAY $650 million budget shortfall its budget for the next two years, health plan are critical for long- money, which may or may not SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT and a surprise $2.8 billion debt to it’s imperative that lawmakers term sustainability. The growth of continue. JOHN LOCKE FOUNDATION the federal government. A newly continue the fiscal discipline and government can’t exceed the rev- A lot of decisions will be made elected General Assembly had foresight that began in 2011. enue coming in and still maintain in putting together a $24 billion promised no tax increases. After the transfers, the savings a balanced budget. Tax revenue is budget, some more fiscally respon- PUTTING TOGETHER A budget The General Assembly under- reserve balance is now $1.245 expected to grow 3%, but yet the sible than others. Putting policies is the biggest thing the General stood the key to getting people billion. Beginning this year, the governor’s budget increases gov- in place that continue to grow Assembly does each biennium. to work and growing an economy General Assembly must, by law, ernment spending 5.45%, and the the economy and keep people Just as a peek at a family or small lies with a fair tax system, limited transfer at least 15% of revenue General Assembly has set a 3.45% working, restraining the growth business budget tells us what’s government, reasonable regula- growth into savings. increase limit on budget growth. of government, and making wise important — priorities and fiscal tions, and the right investments Gov. Roy Cooper proposes put- That’s a difference of $500 million investments will keep North Car- discipline — so does the state in infrastructure and education. ting $400 million back into sav- in spending proposals. olina on the path that has led to budget. By September 2018, North ings over the next two years. The It’s not just spending today that budget surpluses and reserves. The number that may tell us Carolina had $2 billion in savings, General Assembly could choose matters. How much debt will they We don’t know when the next the most about priorities can be almost 10% of the state General to do more, putting as much as add? The governor proposes $4 storm is coming, but we know it found in how much lawmakers set Fund and the best-funded rainy- $640 million into savings to repay billion, while the House proposes will come. Setting aside money aside. day fund in the Southeast. It also part of the $756 million it took $2 billion for a school construc- now will have us ready when that The state had no money in sav- was the largest in state history. out last year for hurricane relief tion bond. The Senate plan would storm hits. We’ll be prepared for ings when a new leadership took Hurricanes Florence and Michael and recovery. The Fiscal Research fund $2 billion of school construc- a stronger recovery, more quickly control of the legislature in 2011. brought that long-dreaded rainy Division and the governor’s Office tion with a pay-as-you-go plan getting back on our feet and back A recession and years of a “spend day to the coast, but lawmakers, of State Budget and Management without adding more debt. to doing what we do best — being when you have it, tax more when because of the savings, could recommend building the savings Increases in salaries for teach- North Carolina. you don’t” cycle of budgeting left provide relief and resources to to 10.9% of the budget, or $2.6 ers or other state employees are a Let’s get it right. 24 CAROLINA JOURNAL // MAY 2019

We’re Moving! That means a new address and new location for Shaftesbury Society events. Details below.

NEW ADDRESS AS OF JUNE

4800 Six Forks Road, #220 Raleigh, North Carolina

Our current downtown landlord needs to expand its presence in our building, so we’re moving to a new home near Raleigh’s North Hills. Don’t worry. Our Our phone number, email addresses, and social mission to advance freedom remains the same. media accounts remain the same. Only our location will change. 919-828-3876 What about Shaftesbury Society events? 1-866-JLF-INFO (1-866-553-4636) www.johnlocke.org Our Monday Shaftesbury Society events will con- www.carolinajournal.com tinue in our new office, with plenty of parking for easy access. Watch your email for notice of our first johnlockefoundation jlf.carolina.journal Shaftesbury Society event after we move. @johnlockenc @carolinajournal