Teacher disciplined for racial comment

By Natasha Kaye Johnson
Staff Writer

GALLUP — A Gallup Junior High School teacher is having personnel action taken against it for making a racially derogatory comment against a Hispanic student.

On Tuesday afternoon, the teacher, whose name school officials refused to release, allegedly made a comment to an eighth-grade student asking if he was "legal" and whether or not he had papers.

The student had missed school on Monday, and was asked if he was absent because he participated in the march against Proposition 4437. The student said he had stayed at home. Following the student's answer the teacher then allegedly began asking questions about whether he was a legal citizen.

Principal Frank Chiapetti could not confirm the details of the incident, but did confirm that the incident was regarding a comment about a Hispanic child. He said an investigation was completed Earlier this week.

"Action will be taken," said Chiapetti. Statements from the student and teacher, as well as other students who were in the class when the incident occurred were taken.

The aunt of the student, who did not want to release her name or the name of her nephew, said that he came home from school that day and told his parents what had happened.

Because the student's parents speak only Spanish, the aunt spoke on behalf of her sister's son.

"He was embarrassed," she said. What made it worse, she added, was that it was in front of other students. After hearing about the incident, the aunt talked to the principal about taking action on the issue.

"I don't want the teacher to be punished," said the aunt of the student. "I just want (the administration) to talk to the teacher."

Because it is against personnel policies, Chiapetti could not disclose what specific actions will be taken against the teacher, but that school board policy was followed.

The student's family did participate in the marches against Proposition 4437, which started on Monday and ended on Thursday evening.

Diana Joe, organizer of the march, said she couldn't understand how a teacher could make such comment to an eighth grader, especially during such a sensitive time.

Despite the incident, Chiapetti said the kids and staff are very accepting of all races and nationalities, although they do have a few isolated incidents that occur. He also said that they support students who express themselves in a positive and productive manner.

"They (students) have a right to express their feelings and we honor that," said Chiapetti.

"We promote an environment of tolerance of belonging in the schools," said John Overheim, assistant principal.

The school may have a special meeting to remind teachers and staff of the sensitivity of the current issues.