US: Fifth-grade teacher suspended for 'mock slave auction' and using n-word in class

In the United States Boston area, a fifth-grade teacher has been placed on paid leave for holding a "mock slave auction" of two children of colour. The teacher also used a racial slur during a lesson, according to the local school superintendent, Gregory L. Martineau.

Apologies and Lines Crossed

Martineau, who oversees the Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough, in a letter to parents shared details of the incidents and offered an apology.

The teacher in question has not been identified. However, as per NBC News, the teacher works at Margaret A. Neary Elementary School in Southborough, Massachusetts. As per reports, the teacher conducted a mock slave auction in January as part of a history lesson on the Southern colonies' economy.

During the so-called mock auction, the teacher singled out two children of colour, and pointed out their distinguishingattributes, such as their teeth and strength.

Condemning the conduct,Martineau acknowledgedthat it could be potentially traumatising for Black students. In April, the same teacher used the N-word while reading from a book not included in the curriculum, even though the word was not in the text.

Martineau said he learned about both incidents on April 24 and held a meeting with the teacher and the school's principal to address the situation and inform families. However, the next day, the teacher identified one of the students who had complained and "called out" the student, singling them, an action Martineau deemed "not acceptable."

As a result, the teacher was placed on leave and is undergoing "due process procedures" that will determine their future with the district. Additionally, the school's principal was placed on 10 days of paid leave in May, said superintendent Martineau.

Parents and community leaders have expressed their concerns over these incidents, and the local superintendent has apologised.

"I apologise for the events that took place in The Public Schools of Southborough," said Martineau, adding, "I acknowledge that there were missteps in this process that further complicated the situation. Ultimately, I am responsible for ensuring students are in safe and supportive learning environments."

Rahsaan Hall, president of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, suggested the incidents could serve as a learning opportunity for the district to develop better practices and engage the community on sensitive topics.

To prevent such incidents in the future, the district is developing a plan to implement "cultural competency" training for teachers by the fall.

(With inputs from agencies)