Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
On Monday, March 9, the Madison County District School Board held a special meeting to address a variety of topics. Due to the expected increased community interest, the meeting was held in the Madison County High School (MCHS) gymnasium. The primary topic on the minds of most of those present had to do with the fate of an MCHS teacher, Zachary Peterson, who was accused of using “the n-word” in a classroom. An investigation into the matter was conducted and the full 47-page report was obtained by Greene Publishing, Inc. from the Madison County School District following a public records request.
According to the report, on Wednesday, Feb. 18, a formal investigation was initiated regarding allegations that Peterson used the “n-word” in the classroom and during a parent-teacher conference. The report states that on Thursday, Feb. 5, a parent reported that Peterson told the class it was acceptable for him to say the “n-word” because he was a history teacher. It was also alleged that Peterson said he “did not care about Black History Month in the same way he did not care about Gay Pride Month.” It was also alleged that a student stated, “It’s Black History Month. I don’t think I need to do the work.” It was stated that Peterson responded with, “I don’t care that it is Black History Month. You still need to do the work.”
During a requested parent-teacher conference, Peterson stated that since he is a history teacher, he “can use the term if it appears in curriculum materials. [Peterson] further stated that [former MCHS Principal] Dr. Charles Brooks had given him permission to use the word in instructional context.” The student’s step-father stated that Peterson used the “n-word” very easily and “appeared casual during the discussion.”
Peterson denied using the word in classroom instruction. He did acknowledge that during the parent conference he “repeated the “n-word” after the step-father used it first, stating he was reiterating the term while defending his instructional position.”
The findings of the investigation state:
• A classroom statement regarding Black History Month was acknowledged by Peterson.
• Parents and students allege the use of the “n-word” in classroom instruction.
• Peterson denies using the “er” version in class, but admits repeating the word during the parent conference.
• Peterson claims prior administrative guidance permitted contextual use of historically explicit language.
• Administrative clarification indicates such use is strictly limited and regulated.
• The parent conference escalated due to disagreement regarding whether the term could be used in instructional context.
The report concludes by stating that Peterson did use the “n-word” during the Friday, Feb. 13, parent conference. There remains conflicting testimony regarding the use of the word during classroom instruction. Peterson did admit to stating he “does not care about Black History Month in response to a student refusing to complete work.” The report further states that the “matter involves serious concerns regarding professional judgement, instructional boundaries and culturally responsive practices.” The report was forwarded to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Pickles for her review and “determination of appropriate disciplinary action.”
It was recommended to Dr. Pickles that:
• A formal written reprimand be placed in [Peterson’s] personnel file.
• Mandatory professional development in: culturally responsive teaching, trauma-informed instructional practices and appropriate handling of historically explicit language.
• Formal directive prohibiting verbalization of racial slurs in classroom instruction, regardless of historical context. Such terms, if present in instructional materials, must be presented in written form only and pre-approved in lesson plans.
Additionally, further conditions include a review of lesson plans for the remainder of the academic year, administrative observation focused on classroom discourse and written acknowledgment of district expectations. Other considerations, should the Superintendent deem them appropriate include: suspension without pay for a defined period and reassignment pending further review. Dr. Pickles accepted the recommendation that Peterson receive a written reprimand and mandatory professional development.
This recommendation did not sit well with many of those present at the March 9 school board meeting. “We are showing our students we don’t care about them,” said Board Member VeEtta Hagan. Hagan went on to question the qualifications of those who conducted the investigation.
Board attorney Tom Reeves stated that the board cannot legally act without the Superintendent’s recommendation.
Dale Landry, a representative from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) spoke and voiced his organization’s disagreement. “[The NAACP] is not accepting [the Superintendent’s recommendation].” Landry suggested that allowing Peterson back into the classroom was similar to allowing a pedophile to have access to children. He also warned that should Peterson return to the classroom and make another inflammatory statement, “somebody is going to be hurt.”
The investigation of another teacher accused of making a racial slur is still ongoing and a report is expected in the coming days.
The next regular meeting of the Madison County District School Board is scheduled to take place on Monday, March 16, at 6 p.m. As of press time, the meeting is set to take place in the board meeting room located at 210 NE Duval Ave., in Madison.