Accusations leveled at bill sponsor and board members

Baqir and his supporters on the board took aim at Wilson-Anton, Manley and other board members before the vote.

Baqir says his ouster was part of a political campaign against him.

“It is about silencing a voice that threatens a status quo that has too often been ignored, and the needs and the voices of the marginalized communities who otherwise do not have a voice on this forum,” he said.

Baqir and Patton both accused Wilson-Anton of having ulterior motives in sponsoring the residency bill. Baqir said he believed the legislator was worried about an electoral challenge in her re-election campaign. Delaware has residency requirements to run for public office.

Patton said Wilson-Anton had personal reasons for drafting the legislation.

“We know that anything she’s done has nothing to do with the public or helping the public, or making sure the public is taken care of,” he said.

In a statement, Wilson-Anton said her only focus was “giving the people of this district a real voice in local education decisions.”

“After years of concern and frustration from residents, I’m relieved to see some accountability has finally been achieved,” she said. “I’m hopeful that the Christina school board can now move forward and refocus on what truly matters, which is serving students and families.”

Those who voted to declare a vacancy said the decision had nothing to do with character, only the law.

“One of our primary duties is to uphold the higher standards of governance and accountability for the entire community that voted us in and we represented,” Lou said. “That trust is built on the principle that our rules and procedures apply to every person equally, regardless of their position or background.”

The board will appoint a new member in the coming days to serve until next May’s elections. Delaware school board members oversee the running of the district and the performance of its superintendent. Members must be Delaware citizens, residents of the school district they’re elected to serve and at least 18 years old.