Humanists & Freethinkers of New Bern

Humanists and Freethinkers of New Bern Meeting Announcement

Date
This month’s meeting is Wednesday October 14, 2026 at 7pm at the UUFNB in New Bern, NC.

We welcome all.

Meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month.

Topic

This month Carr Ipock (former member of the Craven County Board of Education and Jennifer Dacey ((tentative) and current member of the Craven Board of Education) will discuss the Leandro vs the State of North Carolina lawsuit (1994).

The Leandro case originated when Leandro successfully sued the state so several rural school districts would be appropriately funded as the rural county's local property tax could not supplement the schools comparable to wealthier districts and meet the "sound, basic education" requirements.

The state supreme court affirmed the Leandro position (2002) and ordered state officials to fund multi-year comprehensive remedial plans. However, in April 2026, the state supreme court ruled 4-3 that the judicial branch lacks the constitutional authority to compel the legislature to spend state funds, vacating the prior enforcement orders.

The case and funding has been fought by the republican legislature yet these same legislative republicans want vouchers for private school choice. Do the republicans want a large segment of the state's population ignorant?

Please bring a light snack if you are able and BYOB. Some light refreshments will be provided.