Robbinsdale School District Releases Statement on Alleged Racist Incident
Robbinsdale Area Schools released a statement Thursday over an alleged racist incident involving an Armstrong High School teacher. The incident led to students walking out of class for a protest outside the Plymouth school at about 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.
One of the parents, Rashad Rich, told KARE11 News that his son organized the walkout. Rich told the Golden Valley-based news outlet that they’re “hurt and concerned over a recent alleged incident involving a teacher reportedly using the N word in class.”
A statement from Robbinsdale Area Schools says the district “acknowledges that a complaint was filed with district administration about an Armstrong High School teacher.” The district says it completed an investigation into the matter. The teacher has returned to work, a district spokesperson said.
Some parents who attended Wednesday’s walkout wanted more details. Others didn’t understand why the teacher was allowed back to work.
The Facebook group Concerned About Robbinsdale Area School District Management and Governance reacted to Wednesday’s walkout. One poster, who said she worked as a substitute teacher, wrote, “It is so encouraging that the community is not sitting back and only watching. I am hopeful people will demand accountability for unacceptable behavior by those in charge!!”
The district didn’t go into any further detail on the matter. It issued the following statement:
“Robbinsdale Area Schools acknowledges that a complaint was filed with district administration about an Armstrong High School teacher.
The district conducted an investigation, which has been completed. The teacher has returned to their assignment.
Robbinsdale Area Schools condemns the use of racial or ethnic slurs under any circumstance. The district’s Equity Policy notes that “RAS is committed to the provision of a barrier-free learning environment.”
The use of certain words, or allegations that certain words were used, can indeed create a barrier to learning and cause harm to those who are present and the entire school community. The use of slurs goes against the core values of the district and our commitment to serving students and families.
Racist language does not belong in our schools. Nor should we make excuses for actions that may have caused harm to students and their families. We acknowledge we have work to do to repair relationships and to rebuild trust with students and their families. We take that responsibility seriously.
Robbinsdale Area Schools strives to provide a safe, respectful and welcoming environment for every child.”
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