ARLINGTON, TX—
Donnell Jackson remembers his junior high school teacher from more than a decade ago as being tough and strict, but not racist."She didn't display any racism," said the now 25-year old insurance salesman.
But, critics of veteran Arlington educator, Shirley Bunn are calling for her to be fired after she made a racially insensitive remark to an 8th grade boy in September at Barnett Junior High School. 63-year old, Bunn was suspended and has been on paid leave since the incident.
In a recent ruling, an independent examiner found the boy, identified in the report as R-F was in class when he repeatedly told the teacher that he is Mexican. She says that she reminded him that he is an American and he again stated that he is Mexican. Bunn admits that she told the boy, "then go back to Mexico." The examiner ruled the comment didn't warrant termination.
"We are very relieved that based on one slip of the tongue that it shouldn't ruin a 24-year career," Deputy Executive Director of United Educators Association, Steven Pool, said.
The organization is representing Bunn and says she deserves a second chance to be a teacher, again. The UEA says the offense did not rise to the level of termination.
The examiner said the district failed to provide enough evidence that Bunn should be fired, even though it wanted her terminated. He recommened sensitivity training and a transfer to another school. But, criticis believe the school board should opt for termination.
"Given that 70% of our children here are minority, the board needs to not support this kind of behavior," Arlington LULAC President, Luis Castillo, said
The school board will make the final decision next month.
