Massachusetts Teacher Lines Up Students ‘Of Color’ In Shocking Mock Slave Auction, Parents Outraged
An investigation is underway after a fifth grade teacher in Boston held a controversial class involving racism, students of color, and a racial slur.
A letter was sent home to parents from Superintendent Gregory Martineau detailing two incidents involving the unidentified teacher, who is a staff member at Margaret A. Neary Elementary School. One incident happened in January, which included a lesson on slavery, while the second took place in April while reading a book to students.
According to the letter, while a lesson was being given regarding the economy of southern colonies, the teacher spoke about the Triangular slave trade before the teacher held an "impromptu mock slave auction."
The letter states that "the educator asked two children sitting in front of the room, who were of color, to stand, and the educator and class discussed physical attributes (i.e., teeth and strength)," while urging that the lesson was "unacceptable and violates the District's core values."
The second incident involves literature which "was not part of the fifth-grade core English language arts curriculum," per the letter. While reading the book, the teacher used a racial slur, which did not appear in the text.
"Dehumanizing words such as slurs should not be spoken by employees or students. Using such words can harm students and negatively impact an open discussion on a particular topic," the Superintendent clarified in the letter.
In addition to laying out the details of the offensive behavior that took place on behalf of the teacher, Martineau also apologized for their "missteps" and took accountability for their mistake, admitting that he is "responsible for ensuring students are in safe and supportive learning environments."
The letter included a list of core values the school will continue to ensure remain at the forefront of their teachings, including but not limited to working with families, conducting formal training, and accelerating the staff's professional development.
"It's concerning. When it comes to that sometimes it's just poor judgment," said Nom, a parent who declined to give her full name to Boston 25 News. "It's unfortunate."
