TeacherServer.com
Home | How It Works | Stats
Login | Register
     
  Case: Was Alex too Friendly?
My good friend Alex, who is a White person from Central America, has been teaching biology at a high school for two years. The school where he works serves a majority Black student population. One of the strengths of Alex is his ability to connect with people and establish good relationships. He used his skills in his new school, too, to form close relationships with his students. He believes that a teacher should be like a friend to the students for the students to trust and relate to the teacher. He gained popularity among teachers and students as a great biology teacher. One specific incident got him in great trouble. As he was walking from his car to the school building one morning, students greeted him with smiley faces and friendly attitudes. Most students greeted him by saying things like "What's up Mr. A?" "What is going on dude?" "How you doing buddy?" Alex found these appropriate and responded to students similarly every day. This specific morning, one student greeted Alex by saying "What's up nigga?" and Alex responded to the student using the same phrase. The next day he found out that the student and his family filed a complaint against Alex for using the "n word." The principal asked Alex to submit a written explanation in his defense and that his position at this school was at jeopardy. Alex asked for help, and I am not sure what to tell him.
Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!)
Wow, the racial ignorance anong teachers is reeealll; no matter who says it, the n word is NOT okay to use, student or teacher, pale or dark. I seriously haven't a clue if Alex was thinking, but the parents had every right to file a complaint.
A student using a slur in a greeting does NOT mean you can repeat it.
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I agree, although the student initiated the language, it doesn't make it OK for Alex to use. He is supposed to be setting an example, and that word is absolutely not appropriate, especially in school.
Rated On: February 22, 2020 12:06 am
Rated By: Vanessa Tuliau