D-86 Teacher Used Racial Slur: Official

HINSDALE, IL — The Hinsdale High School District 86 board gave a teacher a five-day, unpaid suspension Wednesday, alleging she made a racial slur during a discussion about Black History Month. In a statement, board President Nancy Pollak said Hinsdale South science teacher Lisa Fernandez exercised "poor judgment" by using the slur, which the president did not identify.

"We take these matters very seriously and immediately launched an investigation into this situation that was led by our human resources department," Pollak said. "The investigation revealed that the use of the slur, while wholly indefensible, was not intended to be malicious or demeaning in nature. With that said, the intent does not excuse the act or minimize the impact it had on members of the District 86 community."

Pollak thanked the students who brought the issue to officials' attention.

"Our district is strongly committed to ensuring that everyone feels safe, welcome and respected in our buildings. It is because of this commitment that we have no tolerance for the use of such language by our students or staff," Pollak said in the statement.

The board's vote was unanimous. Earlier this week, Patch submitted a public records request related to the pending disciplinary action, which was on the board's agenda.

Fernandez and a school spokesman couldn't be reached for immediate comment late Thursday afternoon. According to OpenTheBooks.com, Fernandez's salary was $155,000 in 2018.