RALLY SUPPORTS PRINCIPAL TAKING HEAT FOR DRUG RAID

GOOSE CREEK -- A principal under scrutiny since police drew guns during a
drug raid at Stratford High School received support from more than 100
teachers and staffers who staged an after-school rally.

Teachers and staffers silently held signs backing Principal George McCrackin
after school ended Friday. Students leaving the school joined the group, and
several drivers honked support.

Faculty members would not speak to reporters, but one teacher handed out a
statement that read, "We are a group of Stratford staff members showing our
support for our principal ... We have chosen to stand here with our signs to
visibly show our support and to give the community a way to show theirs."

McCrackin has faced criticism from civil rights groups, parents and
community members since a Nov. 5 raid in which police drew guns and
restrained students with plastic handcuffs. No arrests were made and no
drugs were found. The State Law Enforcement is investigating tactics used in
the raid.

"Naturally, the district doesn't want teachers talking because of litigation
that might follow," said state Rep. Shirley Hinson, a former school board
member whose son graduated from Stratford. "They've not been able to say,
'We love George McCrackin.' But they're the majority."

He's not looking for this ... but I think it's necessary."

Not far from the teachers, about 10 protesters held signs that read,
"McCrackin must go" and "Give our kids a change."

State NAACP President James Gallman has called on the Berkeley County School
Board to dismiss McCrackin for inviting police into the school.

McCrackin asked for police help at the school after receiving reports of
marijuana sales. School district officials have said neither McCrackin nor
any district official knew officers would come into the school with guns
drawn. In the past, no drug sweep has involved drawn weapons, Superintendent
Chester Floyd said.

Several of the 14 officers drew guns for safety reasons, Goose Creek Police
Lt. Dave Aarons has said.

"I just feel like (McCrackin) was trying to keep other students safe," said
parent Angie Kelley, whose 15-year-old daughter was not among the 107
students in the hallway. "My daughter has witnessed kids trying to hide
drugs."

Some black parents and the state chapter of the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People have said the raid targeted black students. At
least three-fifths of the students in the hallway were black. Less than a
quarter of the school's students are black.

Most of those supporting McCrackin at Friday's rally were white people,
though some black teachers and students were in the group. Those holding
signs calling for the principal to leave were black people.

Debra Davis said the raid "terrified" her ninth-grade daughter. "It's
wrong," she said. "We send them to school to learn."