CARY, N.C. — While running for North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction as a Republican, Michele Morrow explained some comments she made after being accused of encouraging violence.
“This is the American Revolution 2.0!” Morrow wrote in an email to fans in September 2017. Either we choose to fight now, or on November 6, we will have to. “This is war, folks.”
When asked about the words she used, Morrow said Thursday that she might have inflated, but she blamed the media and her Democratic opponent Mo Green for changing what she said. She said that the attention to her words was taking attention away from the problems in North Carolina’s schools.
“If you think I want an armed revolution, that’s not true,” she said. “What I mean is that the fight will go on.” That was just over the top or something like that. I’m sorry if the words make people feel bad. I’m more upset that our kids are in danger and no one is doing anything to protect them.
Morrow said that she was talking about her fight for schools to change in North Carolina. She said that teachers are telling the kids what to think and not getting them ready for real life. Also, Morrow didn’t like what she called “activism classrooms.” She said that these classes are pushing teachers and parents out of public schools.
“Over the past four years, we’ve seen an attack on our rights and on our parents’ ability to be involved in school,” she said. “Do I bring up a culture war?” Yes, I do. Do I want to protect our kids? Yes, of course, I am. Do I want to keep fixing this school system whether I win or lose? Yes. Stronger than ever. There needs to be a lot more hope, purpose, and useful answers in education. That’s what I bring to the table.
In reaction to Morrow’s comments, Green brought up reports that Morrow had called for the deaths of Democrats like Gov. Roy Cooper, former President Barack Obama, and President Joe Biden.
“Michele Morrow has already called for violence before,” Green said.
Morrow said that if Green wins, more people will drop out of public schools and more people will have to wait to get into private and voucher schools.
Source: Republican candidate for NC superintendent denies calling for violence