Racist teacher should be dismissed

AFTER reading the article referencing racism at Hellenic Academy published on June 10 2021, I was left with some questions.

The Hellenic Academy headmistress did not dispute that this teacher used a racial slur against a pupil. She further stated that the teacher in question was “disciplined”. He was apparently suspended but not fired.

In my humble opinion, racism perpetrated by a teacher to a pupil should warrant immediate dismissal. How can black pupils and other pupils of colour feel safe, heard or supported if the school chooses to protect a bigot and help him retain his job. These same pupils will still be forced to interact with this teacher, show him respect day to day, yet they will be aware of his prejudices.

These pupils will be forced to show this teacher the respect that the school has failed to show the victim.

The school creates an environment where racists and other bigots feel safe. Is this what Hellenic Academy stands for? Is racism aligned with its values? Why is Hellenic Academy willing to jeopardise its reputation for the sake of protecting a racist? No institution should want a racist on its staff.

If the headmistress is protecting a racist, the School Board should step in and do the right thing.

Institutions that play down racism, especially against children, or try to sweep it under the rug should face the consequences. The school needs to be investigated and the ministry responsible must do its job.

Lets not forget that the victim here is the student who was racially abused and not the teacher who should have known better. He should be fired and not allowed to work with children and those that wish to protect him must go with him.

Concerned parent