Massachusetts teacher on leave after holding mock slave auction, superintendent says

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A teacher in Massachusetts has been put on paid administrative leave after conducting a mock slave auction and using a racial slur during a fifth-grade class, according to a letter sent to parents by the local school superintendent.

Gregory Martineau, superintendent of the public schools of Northborough and Southborough, detailed a series of incidents that took place at Margaret A. Neary Elementary School in Southborough, situated about 30 miles west of Boston. Martineau stated that he was informed of these incidents in late April by concerned parents.

The first incident occurred in January during a history lesson focusing on the economy of the Southern colonies. The teacher, who remains unnamed in the letter, conducted an “impromptu” mock slave auction, as per Martineau. Another incident happened in April when the teacher used a racial slur while reading aloud from a book. Subsequently, it was discovered that the slur did not actually appear in the book.

Martineau emphasized in the letter that dehumanizing words like slurs should never be uttered by school staff or students as they can harm individuals and impede open discussions on sensitive topics. He condemned the teacher’s actions, labeling the mock slave auction as “unacceptable” and a violation of the district’s core values.

The superintendent highlighted that simulations or role plays regarding historical atrocities or trauma are inappropriate and should not be used in teaching, as they trivialize the experiences of victims and can mislead students into thinking they comprehend the severity of such events.

Following the disclosure of the incidents, Martineau stated that the district initiated a formal investigation and placed the teacher on paid administrative leave. Additionally, the school’s principal, Kathleen Valenti, was placed on paid leave for 10 days in May.

Martineau mentioned that the district is currently undergoing due process procedures with the teacher, who remains on leave, and assured that all personnel matters would be kept confidential.

Regarding a specific incident, Martineau explained that the teacher had singled out the student who reported the use of the slur, which was deemed inappropriate. He apologized for the occurrences and admitted to missteps in the process, pledging to enhance the district’s cultural competency.

This incident is not isolated, as earlier in Southwick, about 80 miles southwest of Southborough, prosecutors charged six middle school students with involvement in racist online bullying incidents, including a mock slave auction. Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni announced in March that the state would pursue criminal charges against the students for their roles in a hateful online chat, which included racial slurs and threats.