Table View High School is facing backlash from parents after a substitute history teacher reportedly used a racial slur during a lesson.
The incident, which occurred on 17 July, has led parents to demand the removal of the substitute teacher.
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The Daily Voice reported that a white substitute teacher used the ‘K-word’ during a history lesson with matriculants.
One parent claimed that the teacher asserted the slur was not an issue for her and should not be an issue for the students, as they were not present when the historical events occurred.
The teacher allegedly refused to apologise when asked to do so, standing firm in her beliefs.
The high schoolers reported the incident to the school management, prompting parents to call for the teacher’s immediate dismissal.
‘If we allow such things to happen, it’s going to happen forever. Because there are no consequences. The fact that the school allows the teacher back in the classroom says to me they don’t have due care for black children who were insulted by the teacher,’ stated one parent.
Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department, confirmed that the slur was allegedly used during a history lesson on Black Consciousness.
The school responded promptly by submitting a report to the department, which included statements from the learners.
The school is currently monitoring the teacher’s classroom practice and has apologised to the learners for the distress caused. Counselling has been made available to any students who need it.
The department’s Labour Relations Directorate is investigating the incident, with a visit to the school scheduled for next week. Further action will be taken based on the investigation’s findings.
In addition, Mbulelo Dwane, the Economic Freedom Fighters’ Provincial Coordinator of the Labour Desk, announced that the party has lodged a human rights violation complaint with the Human Rights Commission in Cape Town.
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Picture: Table View High School