Students accuse teacher of using racial slurs

Terry Webster

Thursday, Sept. 14, 2000 | 11:13 a.m.

For the second time in just over a month, a racial slur controversy has emerged in the Clark County School District.

This time, a Charles I. West Middle School eighth grade teacher reportedly used the slur Sept. 6 during class.

According to students, the teacher said, "Eenie Meenie Miney Mo, catch a nigger by the toe. If he hollers, let him go." Then the teacher reportedly said she used to go "nigger fishing."

After the alleged incident, students took the matter to the school's vice principal and told their parents about it.

Clark County School District officials confirmed Wednesday they are investigating the alleged incident at the school. They would not release additional details or say whether the teacher has been suspended.

"I am investigating it, and the teacher has a due process to go through," principal Karen Williams said. "It is being handled. I really can't say anything else."

Cleveland Bryant, whose great-granddaughter is in the teacher's class, said the teacher allegedly used the slurs while she was telling her class about her experiences while she was growing up. She said the rhyme was a common saying during her childhood.

"I'm wondering why the teacher isn't teaching" instead of discussing her own background, Bryant said. "These kids are failing tests and everything, and the teacher isn't teaching. Personally, I think she needs to get out of the school district. I don't think she should be working with kids. I can't believe this language was used after what happened with the superintendent."

Bryant said she approached school officials about the allegation and when she didn't receive a "timely" response, she took the issue up with with the Westside Action Alliance Korps Uplifting People, a local education activist group.

In late July Superintendent Carlos Garcia came under fire for a response he gave to a group of black high school interns who were interviewing him at a local radio station.

The taped comment, aired over radio and television stations, led taxpayers and community leaders to question Garcia's judgment. Garcia issued a public apology, saying he meant no harm, as others rallied behind him.

Hours of discussion ensued and the School Board issued a written statement telling Garcia it did not approve of his language.

Garcia could not be reached for comment this morning.

School district spokeswoman Mary Stanley-Larsen said the district is taking the complaint at West Middle School very seriously. She also said details are not being released because this is a personnel matter.

But some residents are concerned about the racial slur allegations.

Marzette Lewis, founder of the Westside Alliance group, said she was alarmed at the alleged use of the slur.

"It sounds like a hate group or something," she said.

West Middle School, located at 2050 Sapphire Stone Ave., has a student population that is approximately 66 percent black.

"It's pretty bad that in this day and age this is allowed to go on in the Clark County School District," said alliance member Dell Ray Rhodes. "This is two times in the past month this word was used in front of our children. It takes away their self esteem."

Both Rhodes and Lewis said they think the teacher should be fired.

They will bring up the allegation during today's School Board meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the Education Center, 2832 East Flamingo Road.