SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio — A Nordonia High School teacher is being investigated after he allegedly used a racial slur in the classroom while "discussing which words were unacceptable."
Nordonia Hills City School District Superintendent Dr. Joe Clark and the high school's principal Louise Teringo announced in a joint letter that the teacher has been relieved of his duties, while the school conducts an investigation into him allegedly using a "racial slur in the context of a lesson to their band class."
School officials say the incident happened when the teacher "used the N-word while discussing which words were unacceptable and how our band's culture needs to improve."
"I want to be clear that using racial slurs, no matter the context is completely unacceptable and goes against our school's values of respect, inclusivity and diversity. This kind of language has no place in our school or in our society, and we take this matter very seriously," said Dr. Clark and Teringo in a letter that was sent out to parents and guardians in the school district.
Since the incident, students have been working in grade-level groups to "discuss changes and how to create a positive inclusive environment." Administration members have been "addressing individuals and groups of students who continue to use the unacceptable language."
The full letter that was sent out to parents and guardians can be viewed below:
Judi Hill, president of the Akron Chapter of NAACP, read the letter and thinks the Nordonia district took appropriate actions.
"I think the district did the safe thing by removing the teacher and doing their investigation," Hill told 3News' Neil Fischer. "I think that's the right thing to do as long as they are fair to that individual. But I also want to applaud the teacher for saying 'this is what the standard I'm setting in my classroom (is).'"
The district says they'll provide faculty with additional training on cultural sensitivity, but Hill says Ohio Senate Bill 83 could impact education around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
"The only way you can take the power away from the N-word or power away for issues like people have around LGBTQ is to have the conversations," Hill added. "The courageous conversations that are guided by knowledge and by understanding."
Nordonia has relieved the teacher of their duties, but it's unclear as to whether they have been fired or suspended.
3News reached out to Nordonia Hills City Schools to request an interview with Superintendent Clark, but we were told he is not available to answer any questions. However, the statement says he and any member of the school administration will answer questions from parents.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on March 23, 2023, in an unrelated report.