Controversial N.J. Principal Sounds Off on Education, Race

Some people might disagree with what he has to say, but one thing is certain--when Joe Clark speaks, people listen.

About 300 Cal State Northridge students listened Monday as the controversial New Jersey high school principal sounded off on a variety of issues, including affirmative action, busing and racism.

In his speech, part of the university’s Black History Month Festival, Clark also touched on his own notoriety as a staunch disciplinarian, someone who talks through a bullhorn and carries a 3-foot wooden bat when striding through the hallways of Eastside High School in Paterson, N.J.

“I love controversy,” Clark said as he began his talk. “The more controversy that surrounds me, the stronger I get. . . . The door to the room of success swings on the hinges of opposition.”

Indeed, reactions to Clark’s methods of administering to his students and staff have been mixed. He has been called everything from a dictator by some unadmiring students and faculty to a folk hero by former U.S. Secretary of Education William Bennett.

Among Top 10 Principals

In 1986, Clark, 48, was recognized as one of the top 10 principals in the country by former President Ronald Reagan. Two years later, Clark was featured in a Time magazine cover story and made appearances on “60 Minutes” and “Nightline” after he suspended 66 students--described by Clark as “hoodlums, thugs and pathological deviants”--without the approval of the school board. The board charged the principal with insubordination and threatened to fire him. The board later recanted.

“The only time a turtle makes progress is when he sticks his neck out,” Clark said in defense of his actions. “If you’re going to be a significant contributor to society, you can’t be concerned with what people think about you.”

Clark, who directed most of his comments to black students in the audience, then gave his views on several subjects.

On affirmative action:

“I believe if you give anybody preferential treatment because of race or ethnicity, it’s wrong. I don’t believe because I’m polka dot you have to make allowances for me. If you end up being nothing in society, blame it on yourself.”

On busing:

“I disagree that in order for black youths to get an education, you have to bus them all over the nation. Are you going to tell me that I have to sit next to an Asian or a white to get an education? That’s an insult to my intelligence. What am I going to do, get an education by osmosis?”

On education in the United States:

“Most blacks are academically inferior because the education system in this country is rotten to the core. They miseducate blacks. You want to stop racism in America; you have to show them you can compete in math, science, engineering and history. They might hate you, but they will respect you.”

On success:

“The key to success is determination. If you want something in life, you’re going to have to go out and work for it. You are never a failure until you begin to blame other people for your failures.”

The students gave Clark, who has been principal of Eastside High since 1982, a standing ovation at the end of his hourlong speech. Many seemed to agree with Clark on many of the issues he addressed. Some even supported his unorthodox methods, such as carrying a bat around campus.

“I think it’s fantastic,” said Michael Wallin, 21. “I think he has to be one of the best educators in the country. If there was more like him, there wouldn’t be half the problems there are in society.”

Another student, Robert Hubbard, 19, said he enjoyed Clark’s speech. “I thought it was very inspiring,” he said.