School board chair: Groups, media ‘stir the pot’

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Brunswick County’s School Board chair took a shot at the media in the wake of reports about an incident involving a Confederate flag at West Brunswick High School yesterday.

In an e-mail to reporters who covered the story and their managers at several area media outlets, including WWAY, Olaf “Bud” Thorsen defended how the school and district handled the situation, in which a group of students displayed the flag before one of them wore it around like a cape.

“You know in today’s society students conduct themselves without thinking what consequences they may bring upon themselves,” Thorsen wrote. “Our staff at the school and central office acted swiftly and appropriately with this issue to keep tension at a minimum.”

A school district spokeswoman said the students involved were disciplined for the disruption they caused at school, but because of privacy laws, details of their punishment cannot be released.

Several area media outlets, including WWAY, reported on what happened, after pictures, video and reaction went viral on social media. Both the school district and the head of the Brunswick County NAACP said they hoped the incident would spark civil conversation in the community.

Thorsen seemed to have a different view of the news coverage.

“Unfortunately other groups/media want to continue to ‘stir the pot,'” Thorsen’s e-mail continued. “This is why I am leaving politics. We have a dedicated staff,  both at the local school level and central office who are committed to helping all students succeed regardless of their race. My thanks to all who serve this cause.”

Thorsen is not seeking reelection after serving 18 years during two tenures on the school board.