Whether or not a teacher at Clarkston High School allegedly harassed a black student in front of his classmates is still up for debate.
But Superintendent Dr. Al Roberts is hoping to resolve the racial matter in a meeting between district officials and representatives from the NAACP on May 8.
The debate goes back to September 2005, when the student’s mother complained the teacher asked the youth about the use of a derogatory racial term in reference to his skin color.
According to Anita Banach, director of communications and marketing for Clarkston Schools, discussion between the teacher, student and administrators occurred at that time, and the matter was considered resolved by the school district. That is until April 13, when the district received a letter from H. Wallace Parker, chief counsel for the Northern Oakland County Branch of the NAACP.
According to Banach, the district sent two letters in response to Parker’s complaint requesting an opportunity to discuss the matter in person.
Banach said there are conflicting reports of what happened in the classroom that day, stating the class discussion was in regards to the appropriateness of studying literature that contained offensive language, and the racial slur was only one of the words listed.
Harassment of students is stricly prohibited by district policy and is defined as ‘inappropriate conduct that is repeated enough, or serious enough, to negatively impact a student’s educational, physical, or emotional well being. This would include harassment based on any of the legally protected characteristics, such as sex, race, color, national origin, religion, height, weight, marital status, or disability.?
Punishment for harassment includes discharge from employment. So far, no action was taken against the teacher, and according to Roberts there is no reason to take action as there is no proof the teacher did anything wrong.
Roberts did not respond directly to questions submitted. Commentary from Roberts was received through Banach. ‘Disciplinary actions must be based on fact and when they are necessary. They are not discussed publicly,? Roberts said.
Parker could not be reached for comment on the matter.