Glendale Teacher Fired – Student Suspended For Recording Racial Slur

In a shocking turn of events, a Glendale teacher fired after a disturbing incident involving racial slurs came to light. 

The student was suspended for three days as a result of the incident and the inappropriate use of her phone. The teacher later submitted a resignation letter.

Moreover, the school administrators’ severe disciplinary action has caused shock and anger to the student’s mother, Kate Wellborn. 

She expressed her surprise at the punishment imposed on her daughter, Mary Walton, for merely using her phone to record the teacher’s repeated use of a racial slur.

For a first offense, the student handbook clearly outlines that inappropriate use of electronic devices, such as phones, to record or share images of staff, faculty, or fellow students in the classroom can result in a suspension of up to three days, as stated in the school policy.

The video, lasting 56 seconds, and clearly showed the teacher using the offensive word multiple times while discussing its meaning and appropriateness. 

Walton stated that the teacher used the derogatory term a total of six times, with four instances occurring before she started recording.

The video captures the teacher’s voice expressing his dislike for the word and raising questions about its usage, particularly when black individuals use it within their own community. 

He poses the inquiry of whether the word “n—” is prohibited, emphasizing that he does not intend to use it in an insulting manner.

After promptly sharing the video with school officials, Walton refrained from posting it on social media.

The local outlet that aired the video blurred the faces of the teacher and other students.

Principal Josh Groves released a statement acknowledging the teacher’s inappropriate and unprofessional language. 

As a result, the school put the teacher on administrative leave, but the teacher chose to resign himself.

Moreover, the district first employed the disgraced teacher in 2008.

The school took disciplinary action based on Walton’s evidence but did not show her leniency.

The district’s spokesperson labeled Walton’s actions as “unacceptable” and cited a violation of privacy, as outlined in the student handbook that prohibits recording teachers and students.

Natalie Hull, the attorney representing Walton’s family, argued that it was unreasonable to expect a 15-year-old to possess familiarity with the “proper channels” for reporting such incidents. 

Hull emphasized that many students, motivated by the fear of not being taken seriously, find themselves compelled to collect indisputable evidence.

However, the district denied Hull’s request to allow Walton to return to school after serving her first suspension day.

Supporters, including Dan Shelley, president and CEO of the Radio Television Digital News Association, have expressed their concerns and urged the district to reconsider its position. 

Shelley described the student as a lawful whistleblower, emphasizing her intention to document the incident accurately.

He stressed that the school should praise Walton instead of punishing her.

According to Walton, the school had shown no interest in apologizing for the incident or removing it from her daughter’s permanent record.