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The Johnston School District announced last week it had selected Louis Fountain as its new director of equity, inclusion and belonging.

The district website discusses the “great pride” it takes in the quality of certified, talented administrators in each of its schools and the district offices.

“Our team of district leaders is capable of tackling the tough issues often presented in the world of K-12 education,” the district’s website reads.

For his part, Fountain expressed excitement with his selection.

“I’m beyond excited for this amazing opportunity to serve students, staff and the Johnston community,” Fountain wrote on a Facebook post he has kept public. “Blessed beyond measure. #Equity #inclusionmatters #JCSD.”

But Fountain has hidden many of his Facebook posts over the last few years. It is a recent development, and The Iowa Standard obtained screenshots of many of Fountain’s posts that were objectionable to some moms and dads in the Johnston District.

Fountain will be a member of the district’s administrative team. His purpose is to serve “underrepresented communities.” The district press release said Fountain will coordinate the creation and implementation of a framework outlining systems and structures of opportunity, racial consciousness, cultural competence and culturally responsive education.

Fountain is also expected to play a public role for Johnston in building, developing and maintaining strong relationships with staff, parents, elected officials, community partners, faith leaders and businesses in support of the school community.

Superintendent Laura Kacer said Fountain brings a “rich set of skills, relationships and experiences” to the district.

It is an interesting position when it comes to the idea of inclusion and equity. Especially considering many of Fountain’s social media posts.

For instance…

On Nov. 4, 2020, Fountain wrote that on his next road trip, he’d pack the Electoral map so he knows where NOT to stop for gas. One wonders if that is a position of someone who embraces “equity and inclusion.”

During the vice presidential debate, Fountain shared a post stating that Kamala Harris is debating “America’s sexism and racism.”

“She has the daunting task of navigating outclassing her opponent without piercing the fragility of America’s white male ego,” the post said.

Speaking of the vice presidential debate…

Herschel Walker was an outspoken supporter of President Donald J. Trump and often promotes conservative beliefs. What did Fountain say about Herschel Walker?

“Herschel Walker didn’t forget he was BLACK, he just doesn’t want to be,” Fountain wrote.

Equity? Inclusive?

Fountain also liked the following comments:

“He (Walker) and Kanye West are in the same Coon class.”

“Why is it when the Coons speak up they’re speaking for the whole race, was Trump speaking for the whole white race???”

Fountain also doesn’t feel comfortable around the police it seems.

“I fear the police just driving behind me and I have license, registration and insurance,” he said. “History has shown me to fear the badge more than to fear a gun.”

Fountain also publicly expresses support for keeping police officers out of schools.

“Not wanting police officers in schools with children is NOT being ‘anti-police.’ If anything it’s being ‘anti-school-to-prison-pipeline.'”

When one person shared first-hand experience of seeing the “positive impact” made with officers in schools, Fountain responded with a facepalm.

“So you gonna dismiss all the negatives for one positive and you work in the same system that disproportionately lock of children of color,” he wrote. “Oh ok cool.”

Fountain also appears to have participated in the Black Lives Matter rallies from last summer.

He posted a “heads up” list “just in case.”

“Avoid leaving the crowd and watch out for police snatch squads.”

“Beware undercovers, but beware snitch jacketing and collaborator ‘peace police’ even more.”

“The far right is very good at combing through pictures and doxxing people. Mask up.”

“If you plan on going to jail, plan it: bail, lawyer, time off from work, witnesses, i.e.: a cadre. Don’t just go to jail without training.”

After the protest, Fountain maintained that kids were peaceful until police started pepper spraying them.

He liked this comment, which said “nothing is wrong with being anti-police in a country where police def systematically target black and brown communities.”

Fountain also expressed support for the Roosevelt baseball team when it decided to kneel during the national anthem.

Here Fountain likes a comment asking when the season has ever been closed.

Fountain’s appointment as the Director of Equity, Inclusion and Belonging is expected to be approved at the May 3 board meeting, according to the district website.

UPDATE: Johnston superintendent Laura Kacer said that the district “recognizes and respects” social media is a platform where people are entitled to exercise their First Amendment rights of free speech.

“Mr. Fountain was not hired based on his political views or the businesses he patronizes. He was hired after a rigorous interview process as an outstanding candidate who has demonstrated impactful change within multiple stakeholder groups,” Kacer said.

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Author: Jacob Hall

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