Raheim Brown Supporters Protest Barhin Bhatt as Chief at OUSD Meeting, 8/24/11: audio & photos

[Pictured above: Civil rights attorney Anne Weills speaks to the corporate media during a press conference held before the OUSD school board meeting.]


On August 4th, the following allegations were lodged in complaints filed by fellow officers against OUSD police chief Peter Sarna. Apparently, while driving back from an event at Sequoyah Country Club in Oakland with three other officers, chief Sarna began to rant. Sarna turned to an African American officer, who lives in Orinda, and said that he had no right to live in Orinda because he was a "n----r" and that “he should be hung in the town square” and that “he was the last n----r that he would ever hire.” The story became public on August 15th, and by August 17th Sarna submitted a letter announcing his immediate retirement.

On the same day that it became clear that Sarna was out, it was learned that Barhin Bhatt had been promoted to replace him as interim chief of OUSD police. The decision by OUSD superintendent Tony Smith, with the backing of the board, to appoint Bhatt outraged community members, especially considering that it had barely been a week since dozens of protesters had last rallied at the OUSD administration building calling for firing and charging Barhin Bhatt and Jonathan Bellusa for the murder of Raheim Brown. The move was perceived as a huge slap in the face to Raheim Brown's family, as well as supporters who have been fighting for justice since Raheim Brown was murdered on January 22nd, 2011. It is beyond comprehension how Oakland students could possibly be expected to have any faith in a police force rocked by an ugly racism scandal at the very top followed by the same man who put seven bullets into an unarmed Raheim Brown being appointed to lead the department.

After receiving the fury of community members at the school board meeting on August 24th, it appears that the board has finally listened to protesters on this one point if nothing else. Reports are that the board is reconsidering the decision to appoint Bhatt and that a replacement interim chief is being sought. If Bhatt remains chief, the superintendent and board could very well find themselves facing escalating protests beyond just community members speaking out at and disrupting the next board meeting on September 7th.



August 24th Announcement: Say NO to Murderers in our Schools
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/08/23/18688488.php



Justice for Raheim Brown Jr Demanded at OUSD Board Meeting, 8/10/11