West Hartford Teacher Accused Of Slur Resigns: WeHa Supt.

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The local school system probe regarding a West Hartford teacher's use of a racial slur in front of children early in the year has ended with the teacher's resignation.

West Hartford Superintendent of Schools Paul Vicinus confirmed the situation Wednesday, saying he sent out a notice of the resignation on Tuesday.

The incident in question happened at the start of the school year at Sedgwick Middle School in West Hartford.

Reportedly, a pupil asked a math teacher a question and the teacher, who has not been identified, responded by using a racial slur multiple times.

The incident prompted a West Hartford Public Schools probe into the matter, with protesters — including relatives of the boy involved in the incident — making their case at the West Hartford Board of Education meeting on Sept. 19.

Many at the Sept. 19 meeting came to support the pupil and the pupil's family, claiming such an incident before middle schoolers could cause psychological harm to the child.

School officials, including Vicinus on Wednesday, said equity and inclusion were and always will be part of the local school system's educational charge.

"There are no policies or procedures that would allow or condone the behavior that was alleged," Vicinus said in a statement to Patch on Wednesday.

"That said, we continue to provide professional learning and leadership focus on equity advancement as part of our district strategic plan and vision for our schools."

In his statement to the community, Vicinus said the six-week investigation is over and the reason for a dearth of public updates during the process stemmed from the probe not being finished.

"Given the laws governing confidentiality with respect to such matters, we were not able to share updates while this work was underway," wrote Vicinus to the school community.

"I recognize and appreciate the frustration this may have caused. Having now completed our investigation, I can share with you that the teacher has resigned and will have no further role in our schools."

He said a teacher uttering a slur is unacceptable behavior.

"There is no circumstance where voicing a slur in front of students will ever be tolerated, as such language is antithetical to our values, our mission, and our collective work to create welcoming spaces that foster a sense of belonging," Vicinus wrote to the school system community.

He thanked the community "for its patience."

Said Vicinus: "We remain unwavering in our commitment to create safe and inclusive spaces for all students."

From Sept. 20: 'Emotions Erupt Over West Hartford School System Slur Probe'