Teacher Put On Leave After Students Cast As Slaves In School Play

HAMDEN, CT — A controversial fifth-grade play that cast two students of color as slaves resulted in the teacher being placed on administrative leave and parents calling for change within the Hamden school district, according to multiple reports.

FOX 61 reports Carmen and Joshua Parker were outraged when their 10-year-old biracial daughter was cast as a slave in a school play at West Woods Elementary School. They attended the Board of Education’s Equity Committee meeting on Tuesday night.

The teacher, who canceled the play, was placed on administrative leave, however, Carmen Parker said blaming the teacher isn’t the solution, according to the New Haven Independent.

The Independent reports Parker supports the teacher and wants to see the school district require diversity training for educators.

Officials addressed the issue in a statement on the school district's website, they wrote:

“Late last week, district administration was made aware of an incident where a 5th grade teacher used non-Hamden Public Schools' approved instructional resources that had students portraying characters from history. The teacher’s use of this play about slavery raised serious concerns that are currently being investigated by the district's Human Resources Department and appropriate legal counsel.

“In order to maintain the integrity of the investigation, the district is unable to provide more detailed information about the incident at this time.

“It should be noted that Hamden Public Schools has placed significant emphasis in recent years on increasing the diversity of our curricular materials. We have also begun a major initiative to help staff and students develop greater understanding of issues related to cultural sensitivity and equity. The Board of Education has created an Equity Committee to oversee these efforts and keep the community involved and informed.”

Read more at the New Haven Independent here and FOX 61 here.