The incident has sparked outrage and prompted an apology from Gregory Martineau, the district's superintendent.

In a letter addressed to school families, Martineau expressed his deep regret over the teacher's behavior and informed them of the disciplinary action taken. He stated, "Holding a mock slave auction is unacceptable and violates the District's core values. Simulations or role plays when teaching about historical atrocities or trauma are not appropriate."

According to Martineau, the teacher organized a mock slave auction during a history lesson where two students of color were asked to stand in front of the class, acting as enslaved individuals. This highly insensitive and inappropriate activity has drawn significant criticism, as it trivializes the experiences of victims and disproportionately traumatizes students of color.

Months later, the same teacher reportedly used the N-word while reading aloud from a book, despite the racial slur not appearing in the text. The incident came to light when a student reported it, leading to the teacher "inappropriately calling out" that student—an act of retaliation deemed unacceptable by Martineau.

Martineau's swift response to the allegations demonstrates the district's commitment to addressing racial insensitivity and fostering an inclusive learning environment. Placing the teacher on administrative leave not only serves as a punishment but also gives the District an opportunity to thoroughly investigate the incidents and take appropriate action.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of culturally sensitive teaching methods and the need to avoid reenactments or activities that may perpetuate trauma or marginalize students. It also emphasizes the crucial role of reporting in holding educators accountable for their actions.

As the investigation unfolds, the school community is now taking steps to provide support to the affected students and families. In addition, the incident has sparked discussions about the necessity of implementing diversity training and curriculum enhancements to ensure a more inclusive and respectful educational experience for all students.

The district is committed to fostering an environment that promotes respect, understanding, and inclusivity. Moving forward, measures will be taken to ensure that such incidents are not repeated and that all educators are equipped with the necessary tools to address sensitive topics in a responsible and empathetic manner.