Residents of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, are celebrating after winning a legal battle to create a new town called St. George. The long-awaited decision by the Louisiana Supreme Court was met with cheers and tears of joy by those who have been fighting for the creation of the new town.
Attorney Andrew Murrell, one of the leaders of the St. George movement, expressed his excitement and gratitude following the court’s decision. He emphasized the citizens’ right to exercise their constitutional rights and the overwhelming support they received through the voting process.
Murrell also extended an olive branch to those who may have opposed the creation of St. George, inviting them to come together and work towards building a better city. He emphasized that the new town would be a blank canvas for its residents to shape and create their own policies and way of life.
One of the main priorities on Murrell’s agenda is the creation of a new school district for St. George. He acknowledged the need for improvement in educational outcomes for the residents, as highlighted by the New York Post. Murrell assured that this project would be completely separate from the establishment of the town and would have its own budget and leadership structure.
The idea of St. George has faced criticism, with some viewing it as an attempt by the wealthy white community to distance themselves from the Black and poorer residents in Baton Rouge. However, Murrell and his team have maintained that the creation of St. George is about creating a better city for all its residents and not about segregation.
Baton Rouge’s mayor, Sharon Broome, who initially opposed the St. George movement, expressed her commitment to unity despite the decision. She reiterated her goal of advocating for a united Baton Rouge and serving the residents of St. George.
Some critics, including the local NAACP chapter, released a statement lambasting the new town, stating that it poses risks to the education system and community representation. They believe that the creation of St. George could lead to uncertainty in funding allocation for schools and jeopardize the future of education in the area.
Mayor Broome’s office directed the media to her full remarks after the Louisiana Supreme Court’s announcement. In her statement, she acknowledged the court’s decision and reiterated her commitment to advocating for a united community and serving all residents, including those of St. George.
Despite the criticism and opposition, the residents of Baton Rouge and St. George are looking forward to this new chapter in their city’s history. The creation of St. George will provide an opportunity for the community to come together and work towards building a better future for generations to come.
The next steps will involve careful planning and collaboration to ensure the success and prosperity of the new town. St. George is a symbol of determination and unity, and its establishment marks a significant milestone for the residents of Baton Rouge.
