KANKAKEE – A Teacher at Kankakee High School has been placed on paid leave after a video of him allegedly using a racial slur towards a student went viral Thursday evening.
Superintendent Dr. Genevra A. Walters informed the community of the decision hours after the video appeared online, saying the school board was “disappointed with the incident.”
“The video does not fully capture the work that needs to happen locally, within the state of Illinois and nationally. The video is a system of a much larger societal issue. Although this is a disheartening situation for our students, families and public education, the root of the problem must be addressed in a systemic way.” Dr. Walters said in a statement posted to Facebook late Thursday, praising the actions of the students involved in the process.
“In light of the circumstances, we are proud of how the students handled the situation. After speaking with the students, the “laughter” heard in the video was “nervous laughter”. The students in the classroom reported that they were shocked and had never experienced a teacher using that terminology towards a student.” Walters added.
KHS administrators have collected statements from those involved and will make a decision on disciplinary action after the principal makes a recommendation to the Human Resources Department, which will be forwarded to the Kankakee School District 111 Board.
