Representation & Cobb County’s controversial school board maps

On Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we examine an ongoing conflict surrounding maps for the Cobb County Board of Education. This debate goes back to the 2020 U.S. Census when population data revealed how the county’s demographics have changed. More recently, a lawsuit was filed by residents, claiming that Black and Hispanic voters were “packed” into specific districts to dilute their vote and preserve a white majority on the school board. They also claimed that the typical process of redrawing the map was not followed. U.S. District Court Judge Eleanor Ross then ordered Georgia lawmakers to redraw the maps. The maps were redrawn and signed by Gov. Kemp in Jan. 2024, but Democratic lawmakers are still concerned about the current map and how it got in front of Judge Ross. Rose talks with several guests about the developing story.

Guests include:

Juma Sei, WABE’s education reporter

Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration Chair Tori Silas  

Ben Mathis, a managing partner with Freeman, Mathis & Gary, LLP

Cory Isaacson, the legal director of the ACLU of Georgia

Maariya Sheikh, a Cobb County senior and member of the Georgia Youth Justice Coalition