The Buffalo School Board voted 6 to 2 to remove Paladino, who was not at the meeting.
The group that voted in favor of the resolution included all three board newcomers. Larry Quinn and Patti Pierce, both Paladino allies, were the two members to oppose it.
Board member Hope Jay received a standing ovation from the audience after she introduced her resolution calling for Paladino's removal.
Pierce, who said she does not support Paladino's comments, nevertheless said she doesn't support the resolution.
"This is a watershed moment for us in this city," Pierce said. "I suggest we take this opportunity to show the entire country that we are a city of good neighbors and we are about forgiveness."
Many in the audience loudly booed Pierce and some yelled catcalls.
"If any of our buffalo public school children said any of these offensive remarks ... the student would be suspended," said School Board Member Paulette Woods. "We should also be held accountable for our words and our actions."
She accused Paladino of engaging in "a pattern of racist behaviors going back over 10 to 20 years."
The vote came at the end of a special meeting in the Common Council chambers that attracted hundreds of parents, community leaders and activists, all urging the board to take action against Paladino for the remarks that gained international attention.
- by Tiffany Lankes, The Buffalo News
It looks like a lengthy process lies ahead for those of us who want to be rid of this pariah.
Paladino himself had something to say about the proceedings. In a statement released Thursday he said, “The Board of Education’s action today is certainly not an illustration of a profile in courage or leadership.”
Read on in the comments or visit the links to see the tedious process that the Buffalo parents and community have to slog through to free themselves from this “profile in leadership.” But PLEASE, do not underestimate your own potential role in rectifying this wrong. Help shine a light on this illustration of hypocrisy. Share this outrage with your friends and family. NO CHILD OR PARENT SHOULD HAVE TO ANSWER TO THIS PERSON AS A LEADER OF THEIR SCHOOL COMMUNITY.