People from across Canada are experiencing a different way of living since the onset of COVID-19. Here s how the pandemic has changed how we view society and each other today.
That makes this an especially good time to take stock of where the people’s right to know stands in our state. Unfortunately, for as long as anyone can remember, North Carolinians have suffered under the shroud of one of the worst public records laws in the country.
The examples right here in Henderson County are embarrassing and stark:
• Laurence McKisson sexually abused 17 children in Henderson County public schools between 1998 and 2001 before he was caught, arrested, convicted and sent to prison for 63 years. Parents of his victims filed a lawsuit against the school system for failing to vet, monitor and supervise McKisson, calling him a “perverted child molester who was known to have a pedophilic interest in students and who sexually abused children.” McKisson will likely die in prison and for as long as he languishes there personnel files that may shed light on how he was evaluated remain hidden from public scrutiny.