What's happened
A substitute teacher at Woodbury High School has been barred from the district after making racially harmful comments and reenacting George Floyd's murder during class. The incident has prompted investigations by school officials and local police, with the staffing agency terminating the teacher's employment immediately.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, the principal of Woodbury High School, Sarah Sorenson-Wanger, expressed embarrassment over the incident, stating, "This reported behavior is reprehensible. I am embarrassed, and I am sorry this happened to our students." The New York Times reported that the teacher had no affiliation with local law enforcement, despite his claims. The staffing agency, Teachers on Call, confirmed the teacher's termination, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment. The Woodbury Police Department stated they are disturbed by the preliminary information and will investigate thoroughly.
How we got here
The incident occurred on October 14, 2024, when the substitute teacher, who claimed to have been a police officer, made inappropriate remarks and actions in front of students. This follows a national reckoning on racial issues sparked by George Floyd's death in 2020.
Common question
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What happened with the substitute teacher at Woodbury High School?
Recent incidents involving teacher misconduct have raised serious concerns about student safety and accountability in schools. The case of a substitute teacher at Woodbury High School, who made inappropriate comments and reenacted police brutality, has sparked investigations and discussions about how schools handle such behavior. Below are some common questions related to this incident and its implications.
More on these topics
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Minnesota is a state in the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and northern regions of the United States. Minnesota was admitted as the 32nd U.S. state on May 11, 1858, created from the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory.
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George Perry Floyd Jr. was an African American man killed during an arrest after a store clerk alleged he had passed a counterfeit $20 bill in Minneapolis.
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Derek Michael Chauvin is an American former police officer known for his involvement in the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25, 2020.
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Timothy James Walz is an American politician who is the governor-elect of Minnesota. A member of the Democratic Party, he has served as the U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 1st congressional district since 2007.