Four individuals seeking seats on the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) board have disclosed past felony convictions, according to a detailed background check by Chalkbeat and BridgeDetroit. The analysis, which examined all 34 names on the November 3 ballot for five open seats, identified convictions ranging from assault with intent to murder to forgery and domestic violence.
Who the candidates are
Bobby Christian, an after‑school program coordinator and youth football coach, pleaded guilty in 2011 to attempting to utter and publish a forged document in Wayne County. He received two years of probation. Christian says the experience taught him about community violence intervention and stresses that “one mistake can’t define a person’s life.”
Duane Grigsby Jr., a business owner and property manager, has multiple felonies on record, including receiving stolen property, assault on a police officer, and domestic violence. His convictions date back to the mid‑1990s in Ohio, with a one‑year prison sentence for assault on an officer in 1998. Grigsby acknowledges the past, noting the offenses occurred more than 20 years ago, and argues his personal journey informs his volunteer work with youth.
Darious Morris, a District 3 representative on the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners, was convicted of forgery and false impersonation of a public officer in 2009, receiving a one‑year prison term with credit for time served. He later faced convictions for conducting criminal enterprises (2011) and assaulting a police officer in Macomb County (2023). Morris says he has taken responsibility, completed court‑ordered therapy, and believes his “real‑life experience” can help Detroit’s children avoid the criminal‑justice pipeline.
Danetta Simpson, a longtime cosmetologist and salon owner, was convicted in 1996 of assault with intent to murder in Oakland County, resulting in a 14‑day jail sentence and one year of probation. Simpson maintains she was wrongfully convicted, citing the pressures of having children and limited education at the time. She says the ordeal motivated her to advocate for re‑entry programs and to help young people steer clear of similar fates.
Legal eligibility
Michigan law does not automatically disqualify candidates with felony convictions. Only felonies committed within the past 20 years that involve “dishonesty, deceit, fraud, or a breach of the public trust” while the individual held public office can bar a person from election. None of the four candidates’ convictions fall under that restriction, meaning they remain eligible to serve if elected.
Why the background matters
School board members wield significant influence over curriculum, district spending, and the hiring or firing of superintendents. Voters often look to candidates’ personal histories to gauge character and judgment. The investigation underscores that while these candidates have criminal pasts, they each argue that their experiences provide valuable insight into the challenges faced by Detroit’s youth.
Community response
Local parents and community leaders have expressed mixed reactions. Some appreciate the candidates’ willingness to be transparent and view their lived experience as an asset in addressing issues like violence and re‑entry. Others remain cautious, emphasizing the importance of integrity in overseeing public education.
Next steps
The four candidates will appear on the November 3 ballot alongside eleven others. Voters are encouraged to review each candidate’s platform, background, and stated priorities before casting their ballots. The Detroit Public Schools Community District will certify the final list of candidates in the coming weeks.
Original reporting: BridgeDetroit — read the source article.
