Framingham Removes Teacher For Alleged Racist Remark to Student

An elementary school music teacher has been removed from teaching at Potter Road Elementary.

The teacher was removed from her duties before Thanksgiving, pending an investigation, after parents reported she made a racist remark to a fourth grade African-American boy, in front of other students.

The music teacher has yet to return to her class, as of Monday, Dec. 9.

PTO members and parents have asked questions, but have received no answers from the school district.

The second grade choral performance is in jeopardy of being cancelled due to the teacher’s removal from the classroom.

Framingham Superintendent of Schools Stacy Scott told Framingham Patch, when asked specifically about the incident: ”Whether intentional or accidental, Framingham Public Schools does not condone the use of disparaging remarks especially ones that may be prejudicial or racist. We seek to support all students and want to see their differences as a source of richness instead of as a deficit.”

Scott did not give any specifics about the incident that happened in November, but said it was being investigated.

Framingham Patch contacted the Framingham Teachers Association, which also said the matter was being reviewed and could not discuss.

Parents who contacted Framingham Patch, asked that their names not be used, in this report, as it involves their elementary-aged children.

They said their child came home and said the music teacher made a “racist” remark to a boy in their child’s fourth grade music class. The remark specifically referred to the child’s race in a negative way.

Framingham Patch has been unable to talk to the family, whose child the teacher made the remark to. Patch has however, talked to a handful of parents, whose students were in that class, and all gave the same account of the incident. Each parent told Patch the exact same quote.

“FPS strives to be a community which supports all of its learners. Framingham has a rich tradition of diversity and it’s teachers welcome and are dedicated to students from all over the world,” said Scott.

It is unknown if the investigation has been completed. Framingham Patch will follow up.