Kevin Muhammad, leader of the Nation of Islam in Chattanooga, said city Youth and Family Development Director Lurone Jennings got a light punishment after a critical audit.
He said the former leader of the Bethlehem Center in Alton Park should step down from his city post.
Rev. Jennings got a one-week suspension, a letter of reprimand and must undergo ethics training.
His letter to Mayor Andy Berke and the City Council says:
In the name of God, The Beneficent, The Merciful
Mr. Mayor and City Council:
The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan teaches me that “Justice is The Principle of Fair Dealing.”
It is my belief that five days suspension, a letter of reprimand, and ethics training amounts to a slap on the wrist considering the severity of the indiscretion of Mr. Jennings. Justice demands that Mr. Jennings resign and repay all monies misappropriated. His ability to effectively lead has been compromised.
I cite the December 2015 findings by The OIA, it was discovered that over $5,000.00 was missing from the YFDs. A City employee admitted to stealing over $3,000.00. This employee resigned. The center’s supervisor was determined to be negligent and in another finding disciplined for not properly documenting a receipt that amounted to $80.00.
Justice for this City Supervisor was 25 days suspension without pay. His justice was 5 times more for nearly 10 times less. Would justice demand the Mayor and City Council be suspended for negligence in safeguarding taxpayer’s dollars when it pertains to Mr. Jennings?
Is it fair dealing when we mete out justice with a heavy hand to those under our charge, yet temper justice with mercy to those in superior positions? What is the offspring of justice when it shows favoritism to those who are a part of our clique, or party, or race, or class, or gender? No wonder those dissatisfied with government take to the streets and chant, “No Justice! No Peace!”
Like that powerful scene from a “Time of Kill,” when the lawyer asked the jury to close their eyes while listening to the facts, we must not see class, party, race, or gender when charged with governing the affairs of the people.
Justice demands that a full and complete audit be performed according to generally accepted government auditing standards to determine if in fact there are other issues to report. Justice demands that a full investigation be performed regarding the day to day operations within the YFDs. Is employee morale extremely low and if so, why? Does a hostile work environment exist? Are records being falsified to justify the continuation of the Lexia program? Are children being forced to participate in this program? Is the YFD Administration threatening, unnecessarily writing up and unilaterally terminating certain employees without following policies and protocol? Is the budget properly appropriated to meet the needs on the facility level?
In closing, justice demands that I be fair in speaking to this issue as I have spoken to many other issues in our City. Simply because Mr. Jennings is a Black man does not warrant that I as a Black man turn a blind eye. Lady Justice wears a blindfold, a balance and a sword
I pray that as Mayor and City Council you mete out justice being impartial, objective, fair, and with power and strength not fearing the loss of a vote, a campaign donation, re-election, personal gain, or political favor.
Thank you for reading this few words.
Your servant,
Brother Kevin Muhammad