Teacher accused of racial slurs gets transfer

Terry Webster

Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2000 | 11:20 a.m.

Clark County School District officials confirmed Tuesday that a Charles I. West Middle School teacher accused of making racial slurs is now teaching at another school.

Assistant Superintendent Edward Goldman said the teacher was transferred to Johnson Middle School, 7701 Ducharme Ave., near Buffalo and Alta drives.

Goldman, who participated in the investigation, said the transfer was not a disciplinary action. But he said it was in everyone's best interest that she not remain at West Middle School.

Although disciplinary action was taken, Goldman said he could not discuss it because it is a personnel matter.

The teacher came under fire by community members for reportedly using a racial slur while recounting part of her life story during a class on Sept. 6.

Several students alleged the teacher told them that a popular saying while she was growing up was, "Eenie meenie miney mo, catch a nigger by the toe. If he hollers let him go."

She allegedly went on to say she used to go "nigger fishing." School officials and community activists have said they are puzzled over what that term meant.

It was not an appropriate classroom discussion, said Goldman.

In a Sept. 15 memo to all district employees, Superintendent Carlos Garcia issued a statement that there will be zero tolerance for the use of any racial remarks.

"The use of racial epithets is inappropriate, especially in a classroom setting, and is to be avoided at all times," he wrote.

The memo further states that any employee or student who uses racial epithets will be subject to disciplinary action.

Lucille Cleveland Bryant, who brought forth the allegations at a Clark County School Board meeting Thursday, said she is satisfied with the district's actions.

"I'll settle for them getting her out of West (Middle School)," she said. "But I would have preferred if they took her out of the district."

Cleveland Bryant said she aired another complaint to administrators, however, after her great-granddaughter allegedly was told by another teacher that she was wrong for speaking out.

"She was so uncomfortable she had to come home from school," Cleveland Bryant said. "That made me even angrier than the first incident. I told the administration I don't want that child being harassed at school.

"If they have an issue with something, they can take it up with me. The teacher denied it, and they assured me it won't be a problem."

The complaint about the racial slur at West Middle School came just weeks after Carlos Garcia made a remark using the same word during a radio talk show taping.