x
Breaking News
More () »

Bexley father plans to sue district if action isn't taken after racist incident

The board said the teacher was put on administrative leave because of the incident, but Carl Woodford said that's not enough.

BEXLEY, Ohio — Some parents are demanding action after a racist incident happened at Bexley Middle School on Friday.

At a board meeting on Wednesday, school leaders said a racist image appeared as two students were reading during the morning announcements last Friday. 

The image was of an orangutan eating a watermelon shown immediately after a historical fact was read about Black History Month.

At the meeting, one of the parents, Carl Woodford, threatened to sue the district if action wasn’t taken.

When 10TV spoke with him on Thursday, Woodford said after the incident happened, his 13-year-old daughter who attends the middle school took it to her older sisters and then school leaders before he learned about it.

He said he felt anger, frustration, disappointment and hurt. 

"It's like here we go again,” said Woodford.

In a letter that was sent out to parents, the district said, “This was highly offensive to our staff and students and does not align with our values as a district.”

At the meeting, the superintendent condemned the incident.

"I am angry, appalled, embarrassed, and sickened by this event and I am deeply sorry that this occurred in our schools,” said Dr. Jason Fine.

"You can do this in your own home, but you're not going to do this and teach my child,” said Woodford.

The board said the teacher was put on administrative leave, but Woodford said that's not enough.

When asked what justice looks like, Woodford said he wants the instructor to be fired.

If the board doesn't take action, he said he's prepared to file a lawsuit. Woodford said this is a matter of safety for his daughter and other students.

"I'm not trying to change people's views. I’m trying to change their actions,” said Woodford.

The district said the incident remains under investigation. 

Local News: Recent Coverage ⬇️

Before You Leave, Check This Out