This story was written by Lia Salvatierra, our new Education Reporter. Find more of Lia’s reporting here. Do you have an NKY education story? Email lsalvatierra@linknky.com.
A teacher was placed on immediate leave Thursday after distributing a word search puzzle in a classroom at Boone County High School that included a “deeply offensive racial slur,” according to the district.
“We wish to be unequivocally clear: There is NO place in our schools for language or actions that demean, intimidate, or marginalize others based on race, identity, background or differences,” said a news release from Boone County Schools Community Relations Coordinator Barbra Brady.
“School and district administrators will seek disciplinary action to the maximum extent allowed,” the release stated.
According to that release, Boone County High School Principal Stacey Black is holding a meeting with counselors and all students affected.
“We will continue to reinforce our expectations for respect, responsibility, and inclusion throughout our school community. We appreciate the students who have brought this matter forward as part of our efforts to maintain a school environment where every individual is treated with dignity and respect. I sincerely apologize on behalf of our staff to our entire school community. We will increase our efforts to ensure that this does not happen again,” Black said in an emailed statement.
“I am deeply disappointed that one of our teachers failed to meet the curricular requirements and inclusive expectations we set for EVERY employee at all of our schools,” Superintendent Jeff Hauswald said in an emailed statement.
This is a developing story and will be updated once we learn more information.
