Arthur Ravenel: I 'used the word'
School board member says he didn't threaten McGinley's post
By Nadine Parks
The Post and Courier
Arthur Ravenel
Arthur Ravenel Jr. can't remember exactly what he said last month during the heat of the moment at the school district office, but he admitted Friday that he used the word "bitch," and he regrets it.
Earlier in the week, he denied using the word.
The Charleston County School Board member maintains that he did not threaten schools Superintendent Nancy McGinley's job, but he said Friday that McGinley and the whole school board, including himself, should be replaced if county schools continue to fail. He said the last reporting period shows the district has 26 unsatisfactory schools.
Ravenel, 81, of Mount Pleasant said he used the word "bitch" when he and board member Ray Toler went to the district office last month. They wanted to make sure that an agreement for the Charleston Charter School for Math & Science to use the former Rivers Middle School building was on the board's meeting agenda. Ravenel became upset, he said, when he learned that it wasn't.
When pressed about the context in which he used the word, he said: "I probably used the word 'bitch' a couple of times, but I didn't say it in any particular context, and I can't remember particularly what I did say.
"After the dust-up, she (McGinley) got busy and got it reconciled and prepared for a vote and it (the agreement) got on the agenda. We took it up the following Monday at the meeting, and it passed," Ravenel said. "If we had not gone down there and expressed our extreme concern ... I don't believe it would have gotten on the agenda. It worked out well for Math & Science. They're not going to die, and they're going to open on time."
McGinley did not return a phone call seeking comment Friday night.
McGinley informed board members
that Ravenel was at the district office and told a district employee that he had gotten rid of one "bitch" and would get rid of another, referring to former schools Superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson and McGinley, several board members said.
In an interview earlier this week, Ravenel repeatedly denied referring to the superintendent as a "bitch."
On Friday, he said the word is not profanity. "It means a troublesome woman or a female dog, or if it's used as a noun it means to complain," he said. "And, of course, I was doing a lot of bitching."
Still, Ravenel said, he is regretful.
"I should not have used it," he said. "I regret it, and I did apologize to her (McGinley). We have agreed to move forward together."
In an interview aired Friday night on WCSC-TV, Ravenel defended himself against accusations that he threatened McGinley's job.
"I made her," Ravenel said.
Ravenel later in the evening clarified for The Post and Courier that he meant that he was the board member who made the motion for a vote to promote McGinley to the superintendent position.
"I recommended her, so I want her to succeed," he said. "We all want her to succeed."
The recent incident wasn't the first time Ravenel's comments have landed him in the midst of controversy. Ravenel received national media attention in 2000 when he was a state senator. A battle was brewing over whether the Confederate battle flag should continue to fly over the Statehouse dome.
Ravenel spoke at a pro-Confederate battle flag rally in Columbia and told an enthusiastic crowd of 6,000 people that the Legislature would never give in to a National Association for the Advancement of Colored People boycott.
"Can you believe that there are those who think that the General Assembly ... is going to ... knuckle under, roll over and do the bidding" of "that organization known as the National Association for Retarded People?" he said.
Afterward, he said that he mixed up his words because he was scheduled to meet with the S.C. Association for Retarded Citizens the next day and he mistakenly meshed the two groups together. He later apologized, but only to people with mental and physical challenges.
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greensummervillian (anonymous) says...
"It means a troublesome woman or a female dog, or if it's used as a noun it means to complain," he said. "And, of course, I was doing a lot of bitching."
"Cousin" Arthur,
1)When you use the word to mean to complain, it's a verb. Let's avoid the grammar lessons in the future if you don't want to look like a fool.
2)A bitch is a female dog. To call a woman a bitch is a rude slang term that signifies disrespect. It's not acceptable in polite company. Essentially what you're saying is you didn't call her that, but you did apologize, but the apology isn't really necessary because she really is a bitch. That's not an apology at all!
May 24, 2008 at 1:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jeg111 (anonymous) says...
Mr Ravenel...could you and your family just quietly leave and continue your crazy life elsewhere ? I think everyone is really sick of you and your family.
May 24, 2008 at 1:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ForPnC (anonymous) says...
I use the word "bitch" all the time. I'll pull out the "C" word in a New York second with no problem at all.
But, if you're in a public position then you need to just shut your mouth. We want to hear as few words from you as possible.
May 24, 2008 at 5:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
counselor31 (anonymous) says...
Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson and Dr. Nancy McGuinley were an excellent team together. The Charleston County School District is in much better shape than before. As with any school improvement plan, it takes 3 to five years to see change. Charleston County's school board really needs to afford Dr. McGuinley the opportunity to do her job. Dr. Goodloe-Johnson was not given that opportunity, and she left. Previous superintendents were treated in a similar manner and left. The sad thing is that the school board had to pay out their contracts. What a terrible way to waste taxpayers' money! Arthur Ravenell, you should be ashamed of your views and your ability to solve conflict. You set a terrible example for the students in the Charleston County School District.
May 24, 2008 at 6:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
watchdog (anonymous) says...
YES TAKE THE NAME OFF THE BRIDGE, Call it the Cooper again.GET RID OF THE BASTARDS.....Fire these people, get them off the school board, this is our future that they are running. Parents need to unite. People of South Carolina, what are you waiting for.
May 24, 2008 at 7:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
karmann (anonymous) says...
Well, and we wonder why students don't have any problem using profanity they way they do. Look at the fine examples we have in government as role models. If it isn't a curse word then let's label it as sexism and run him out of office.
May 24, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lucretia (anonymous) says...
Any elected official that is THOUGHT to have referred to the African American group NAACP as the national association of retarded people by mistake and especially if done on purpose, without an apology to our people, needs to be stripped of his position immediately. There is no way that he can be expected to make decisions for all the people of Charleston County. We will be reviewing the transcripts of the speech. And a class action suit will be forth coming.
May 24, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
soccamomma (anonymous) says...
It's no wonder our schools are pathetic. This moron doesn't even know the difference between a noun and a verb.
May 24, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
skeeter (anonymous) says...
Where you been Lucretia? That's old news. He said that years ago and I don't know what he was thinking but I have to give him the benefit of the doubt because I would hate to think an elected offical could be that stupid.
May 24, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oldglory (anonymous) says...
greensummervillian - Thank you for the grammar lesson! Still drinking my first cup of coffee, and I twice had to read what Ravenel said because I thought 'surely he didn't say that'! But, of course, he did. I mean, I am more offended that someone in his position doesn't even have the basics of grammar! Guess that's just SC, huh?
Sad, the word he publicly used puts him in the good ol' boy category, doesn't it, and his lack of grammar backs it up.
Look out, good ol' boys, cuz a new day is coming and y'all are bringing it on more rapidly with your behavior, lack of respect, lack of abilities (such as committing to usurious loans), etc. One day people are going to vote for more intelligent people. One day.
May 24, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
workingmom (anonymous) says...
In the last week or so we've been subjected to two examples of the Ravenels' refusal to accept responsibility for their actions. First, Thomas tells us that cocaine isn't addictive and that he's simply the victim of his own generosity. Then, Daddy lies to us and then provides us with a grammar lesson. This gives some credibility to the old saying the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Oh, and Arthur, sometimes the word bitch is used to refer to a troublesome person, regardless of gender!
May 24, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
counselor31 (anonymous) says...
I have read several posts of elected officials who do inappropriate things on the Charleston County School Board, and no actions are taken against them. I guess it is acceptable for elected school board officials to make racist and sexist comments about others who are very competent in their roles (Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson and Dr. Nancy McGuinley). Maby this is Charleston, South Carolina's way of saying we still want to live under the plantation slave mentality. Education opens the door of opportunity to all those who attain one. It appears that members of the Charleston County School Board have been trying to stop this process for years. Let's just be truthful.
May 24, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dogwoodroad (anonymous) says...
Yes...disrespectful and inappropriate...
However...can everyone not make generalizations about the entire Ravenel family due to the mistakes of one or two? I happen to know a few members of the family (not the politicians themselves), and they are all kind, thoughtful, charitable, loving people. Don't pin them all with a bad rap...
May 24, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ConcernedDorchesterCitizen (anonymous) says...
Well I guess we now know that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
May 24, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blah_blah_blah (anonymous) says...
CAN WE PLEASE JUST RENAME THE BRIDGE NOW?!
The Ravenel name is Mud now.
May 24, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
I agree. Rename the bridge. I never wanted it to be named after him anyway.
You call me a "bitch", and you are not one of my best friends joking around, then it is an insult.
Ravenel's behavior is totally inappropriate and unprofessional.
I think the old coot lost it years ago.
May 24, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
usa4freedom (anonymous) says...
Sorry, if we still live in America we still have that sticky thing called the bill of rights, one being the 1st. amendment.
If it offends you, vote him out the next time.
I love how the papers in the United States will jump on someone for using foul language or having (in their opinion) the wrong view on something, but if someone objects to their opinion, they yell: hey we have a 1st amendment right to..
Everyone needs to have a little thicker skin.
May 24, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
counselor31 (anonymous) says...
This article is not about the Ravenel bridge. It is about someone who was born during the era where these comments were acceptable. The question is does Arthur Ravenell and the Charelston County School Board really want what is best for all children in the Charleston County School system. Charter schools are excellent when they are used in the right context. It might be that Ravenel has alterior motives for opening the Math and Science Charter School. Perhaps, he wants the school to be as segregated as Charleston County Schools were in the past. To prevent disparities in education within the Charleston County School District, Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson and Dr. Nancy McGuinley established the Charleston Plan of Excellence which utilizes a coherent curriculum to teach all students. Although all the educational research indicates that it was the right thing to do, those in this community who were unwilling to change got angry.
May 24, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carolinadude (anonymous) says...
Good morning friends,
Cousin Arthur and I don't see "eye to eye" on everything but please go back and read his reason for being at the district on this given day. Apparently the conservatives on the board are being "stonewalled" on a very critical educational issue facing all of SC. We now have a statewide "charter school district law" on the books, and we see it as critical to moving quality education forward in SC. Yet the educrats and administrators see it as a threat to the failed status quo government school system in our state in much the same venomous manner of opposition that Governor Sanford's school choice initiatives were squelched. In this case Arthur is "standing up to this brick wall of status quo opposition" with the vigor and emotion of an 1861 South Carolina rebel. May God Bless you "Cousin Arthur" for standing upon the rock of principle in which you believe. May it ever be "principle over politics", Cousin Arthur. Help is on the way with John Graham, and we'll just follow the lead of two of the finest patriots that SC has ever known. Onward Cousin!!!
Ron Turner
Summerville, SC
May 24, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
counselor31 (anonymous) says...
Carolinadue,
Your comments speaks volumes for your outlook on life. While I totally understand that you are hoping that this charter school will improve the quality of education in Charleston, South Carolina, I am concerned with whose going to make up the student body of the Science and Math Charter School? Let me just ask you frankly - is the student body going to be comprised of rich caucasian aristoratic males? In the past, those were the only students allowed to get an education.
May 24, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jeg111 (anonymous) says...
Why do we have someone on our school board who sent his own children to private schools??
May 24, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JonWithnal (anonymous) says...
being self-righteous and ignorant with an unearned sense of entitlement aren't normally traits that get you ahead - but the Ravenels seem to make it work for them....
May 24, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
expat (anonymous) says...
Call me intolerant, but I think that a person who does not know the difference between a noun and a verb should not be on the school board.
May 24, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
musicpaladin2007 (anonymous) says...
Um.... better wake up.... John Graham Altman is also a good ol boy idiot and needs to stay far far far away from the school board. He is not the saviour y'all seem to think he is.
Ravenel's definitely an idiot and needs to go. And yea, lets rename the bridge after someone more worthy of a name.
May 24, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PalmettoHawk (anonymous) says...
jeg111 says, "Why do we have someone on our school board who sent his own children to private schools??"
If I am not mistaken, till just a couple of years ago Nancy Cook did the same. One may still be in parochial school to this date.
If she was so interested in her own children's education, why didn't she serve on THAT school board?
May 24, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
summerville_guy (anonymous) says...
What was Ravenel elected to do? To get things done, right?
He did what was needed to get things done. Plain and simple.
May 24, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JohnS (anonymous) says...
If it was not for Arthur securing the funding the bridge it would not have been built so quickly. Be glad it was built. Arthur is untouchable get over it.
May 24, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonnative1963 (anonymous) says...
OK, Its time for him to step down-retire and leave SC...please take your good looking coke head son with you. I have heard it said all my life that Charleston is full of in-breed people with money-well there you go.
McGinley AND MG Johnson are great leaders...WE lost a gem when we lost her- and now it seems that the OLD Charleston aristocracy wants control AGAIN--and what a disaster that was. Now all we need is that other fool from West Ashley to win- JG Altman. I wish people would stop running for the school board for the purpose of ripping apart our school system whenever good things start to happen...Make no mistake. JG Altman and Uncle Author want nothing more than to see the CCSD look bad so they and Gov. Sanford can try once again to push those damn vouchers. Enough is enough...RESIGN REVENEL NOW!
May 24, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonnative1963 (anonymous) says...
In case some of you need a reminder concerning John G Altman. He is the FOOL that accused teachers who used the scoring high books--which were test taking strategies and review skills for the BSAP or ITBS test- It taught kids how to make an analysis of a test question-which ..is education and life...Altman called it cheating and CCSD teachers had to stop using the tool...you know what a tool is right...Luckily it was JUST the CCSD that took the test helper out...does this sound like someone that needs to be on a school board NO!..like I said last week-maybe these events Ravenel and Altmans decision to run again, will cause East Cooper to finally creat its own district-free of these fools
May 24, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Slick50 (anonymous) says...
"he said Friday that McGinley and the whole school board, including himself, should be replaced if county schools continue to fail."
Amen to that. Make it happen, Charleston.
May 24, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sarah_d (anonymous) says...
I truly wish all those so in favor of charter schools--school board members, those in the media, and members of the community who think charter schools are the solution to all of our problems--would look a little closer at the situation. Charter schools hire their own teachers and administrators which means there are "teachers" in these schools that are not qualified and some staff members who even have criminal backgrounds. They do not adhere to state and federal guidelines in their classrooms yet the CCSD is held accountable for them. So when the school district looks like it is "picking" on these charter schools they are in fact trying to bring them up to standards.
I was born in Charleston and have lived here all my life. You voted for people like the Ravenels because you liked that "good-old-boy-take-on-the-establishment-for-the-little-person" attitude, but just like musicpaladin said, they are not the saviors we think they are. As I've gotten older I realize that that mentality is not cute anymore. It is a hinderance to progress. Dr. McGinley is a hard-working professional person who has the best interest of our students as her focus. It is a slap in the face for her to be called a bitch simply because she is a woman. There will be no progress in our schools with adversarial attitudes that like of Mr. Ravenel.
May 24, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
easyridr (anonymous) says...
Thats why we love Arthur Ravenel!!He speaks his true feelings~Ya old bitch..
May 24, 2008 at 3 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JC (anonymous) says...
Most all women are bitches to him. He is from "this is a man's world" era. I can't believe the people of ths County voted him to the school board.
May 24, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DCartisan (anonymous) says...
This is why I am SOOOOOOOO glad my kids go to schools in Dorchester District 2. The board here works in unison & act like professionals. If you don't believe me, go to one of their board meetings. They wanted SMART Boards in every classroom and they got it. They wanted to start a religion class at Fort D and they got it.
CCSD is so messed up that it will take years to catch up to the better school districts in the state. The yahoos there are the laughing stock of the entire state. Read some of the newspapers of a few of the other cities here and read their views of the schools in Charleston...
May 24, 2008 at 5:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GG (anonymous) says...
What a sexist, senile old coot.
Also, if John Graham Altman becomes a board member, we will have Cousin Arthur's twin. He's just as senile.
May 24, 2008 at 6:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
melissa672 (anonymous) says...
Have we drug tested Arthur lately?? Maybe he has gotten into his son's stash??
May 24, 2008 at 8:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
counselor31 (anonymous) says...
CCSD has the potential to be a great school district given the right school board to support improvement efforts. I have lived in the lowcountry for ten years, and Charleston County School District has been in constant turmoil since I have moved here. Are the current board members really committed to improving their schools?
It appears as if there is always some controversial racist and sexist issue going on with board members. Moreover, it is clearly evident that the majority of CCSD school board members have hidden agendas. What happened to doing what is best for all children and their communities?
May 24, 2008 at 8:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
Yes time to go. Retire and go fishing around that bitch eh uh bridge named after you. Sorry I forgot!
May 24, 2008 at 8:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mrsmomofthree (anonymous) says...
CCSD SUCKS!! I can not believe how horrible the school district has become in just the last 6 years. They can't seem to get good administrators in schools. They have poor discipline and yet they move administrators around like it is going to help. If they would look at how they can help these schools succeed and quit trying to be "popular" then maybe we could get somewhere. I am pulling my kids out of Charleston county and taking them elsewhere. I am sick and tired of kids that disrupt and cause problems and nothing is done.
I think Ravenel is a great improvement. He speaks his mind and wants to see the schools improved instead of being there for his "agenda" to improve his career. Maybe some of you should go visit the Taj Mahal on Calhoun and see what kind of people work in there and how poorly it is run. Go visit a local school for more than one day. See what it is like in the classroom. It is not a pretty place anymore.
PEOPLE WAKE UP TO THE COLLAPSE OF OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS!!
May 24, 2008 at 8:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mrsmomofthree (anonymous) says...
DCartisan----I agree with you. Dorchester 2 is an awesome school district. I work in the district and they are so professional and try hard to make things better for the students. We have our problems with students and work to fix the problems and we try hard to get to know the families. It is a great district and the kids are really the center.
May 24, 2008 at 8:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
allkidsrock (anonymous) says...
What a Pompous Ass!
pompous: having or exhibiting self-importance
ass: a stupid, obstinate, or perverse person
What is it going to take to get this man and his influence out of our schools?
May 24, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
counselor31 (anonymous) says...
Mrs.Mom
What kind of people work at Calhoun Street? Calling someone out of their name is inappropriate especially when he uses incorrect grammar. What kind of expectations do you have for racist and sexist aristorcratic men in public office like the Ravenells?
MichaelsAdvocate
Do private schools not have similar problems or do they get rid of their problems for the sake of reputation?
May 24, 2008 at 9:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
counselor31 (anonymous) says...
Audience,
In reading the comments, it appears that a great number of us agree that there are problems in Charleston County School District. However, not a single comment outlines the problems occuring. I would like to know what the problems are. Does CCSD not have a school improvement plan in place to address its weak areas? All school districts in South Carolina are required to have a school improvement plan. Research states that it takes 3-5 years to reform educational systems. I do believe that it is Dr. McGinley's first year as superintendent, and Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson was only here 3 years.
The superintendents do not need arostocratic men threatening and calling them out of their names while they work to improve a problematic system that was failing long before they were hired for the position.
May 24, 2008 at 9:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
counselor31 (anonymous) says...
Audience,
Perhaps, some of the good old boys who were part of the defunct system of segregating students were let go or forced out of their high paying administrative positions. Now people are angry. What a shame?
May 24, 2008 at 9:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
counselor31 (anonymous) says...
MichaelsAdvocate,
Public schools have a moment of silence. Many Christian educators and students in public schools pray during that time. I think the one solution to solving some of the problem in both public and private school is for responsible citizens to work together to make education great for all students.
May 24, 2008 at 10:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
beth1070 (anonymous) says...
People have skin that is wayyyyy too thin these days. When name calling happens, ALL name calling, just consider the source and move on. If you find the name that you have been called somewhat offensive, then there might be a certain element of truth to the name that you were called.
May 24, 2008 at 10:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hillbilly (anonymous) says...
I luv ya Arthur,but I think you're losing it.
May 24, 2008 at 11:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ridgerunner (anonymous) says...
LIFE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATE YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU GONA GET!
May 25, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
preachlove (anonymous) says...
Thank God; the days of the good 'ole boys saying and doing whatever they want is over. Quite frankly, Mr. Ravenel, you can't LYNCH people and get away with it anymore. How sad a bridge was named after someone like you. You don't deserve that type of respect.
Dr. McGinley, keep up the good work. They are people behind you 100% and want to see you succeed. Don't let ignorant, backwoods fools like Ravenel deter your vision. Crappy schools can't be fixed overnight, it takes years and constant dedication.
May 25, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ms_lady2u (anonymous) says...
Maybe he called it like he saw it,He is in the "Untouchable's Family"
May 26, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonnative1963 (anonymous) says...
no one shut GOD out. However by the way most people act at private church schools I would say he is OUT of there. Softball game----Praise Cath. As long as there are test we will pray in schools...why make a specticle of your prayer life anyway, is it for SHOW ? or a prayer between you and God
May 26, 2008 at 7:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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