Education is essential to ensure that a child has a successful future. But, how can you expect black students to excel if they don’t feel as though school is a safe environment for them?

First off, it’s not the black community’s responsibility to explain why the n-word should not be used by non-black individuals.  By now, most of us should know the harmful history behind this word. We all should know that it should not be used by non-black individuals. But it seems some do not know this.  It’s extremely unacceptable for anyone, especially a person in a position of power, to be using such a hateful word. But, here I am having to write an article on this topic because some educators in the School District of Lancaster think that it’s acceptable to use this word.

I have my own personal experience with a teacher in the School District of Lancaster using this word. One day, in middle school, a teacher said the n-word, not once, but repeatedly. Before this situation, this teacher was one of my favorites, but after this experience, I was no longer able to look at her the same. At that time, I was in several activities, clubs, and had a class with this teacher, and so I was very uncomfortable being around her knowing she was capable of saying such a hateful word. I went to my guidance counselor and told her about what happened. It seemed as though she cared. She said that this behavior was unacceptable and that she could report it if I wanted. I figured the best option was to report her and maybe there would be some sort of change. But, as far as I know, nothing happened. No one asked me follow up questions, no meeting for me to explain my point of view or attempts to reassure me. Nothing. 

Unfortunately, this is not the only time I’ve encountered this type of situation throughout my education. There was another instance where an educator used the n-word in this district and it actually happened on McCasky campus two months ago. One of my classmates was in class when the teacher thought it would be appropriate to say the n-word. According to this student, “She thought it was funny.” This educator was mocking a student when she used this word. When she said it, the class was shocked, and they continuously brought it up, because they were shocked that she used such a derogatory word. Then, according to the student who witnessed this, “She got uncomfortable and wanted to move past it.” She, a white educator, used the n-word in a class with black students and she was uncomfortable. The students were uncomfortable. 

I beg educators to do better. This behavior is unacceptable and you know that. It is ludicrous that I, a fifteen year old, should have to explain to grown adults entrusted to teach and encourage students of color why they shouldn’t use a racial slur. If you truly don’t understand why saying a racial slur, or any slur for that matter, is harmful, I’d advise you to take some time to research it, reflect, and change your mindset.