Marianna Middle Teacher Removed From Job For Using "N" Word

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Posted: 5:45 PM Oct 2, 2008
Last Updated: 10:12 PM Oct 2, 2008
Reporter: Kristy Wolski
Email Address: kristy.wolski@wjhg.com

84 comments

Teacher Suspended

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The day went as usual at Marianna Middle School, but one thing is different: 7th grade teacher and coach Greg Howard is no longer an employee. He was suspended without pay for 10 days starting Thursday for making racial slurs at presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Our source told us Howard asked his students what "change" stood for and proceeded to write out the acronym "change"- come help a n(word) get elected.
Jackson County's Deputy School superintendent says he's received conflicting reports, but he can confirm change and the n-word were used.
"That teaches them to think negative thoughts, which shouldn't happen because they're there to learn, not discriminate," said Billy Delahunt, Barack Obama supporter.
"We will not stand behind anything racial that anybody has to say. Race shouldn't play an issue in this election," said Ulonda Peterson, Jackson County McCain campaign volunteer.
Deputy Superintendent Moore would not go on camera but he released a statement saying "Actions of this nature are inappropriate and will not be tolerated by the Jackson County School Board."
Howard is being transferred to the Jackson County Adult Education Program and some parents say that's not enough.
"I think that he shouldn't be hired back as a teacher," said Roy Bush, parent.
Howard has been released from his football coaching responsibilities and his actions are being reported to the Florida Department of Education. He is also required to attend diversity and sensitivity training as part of his disciplinary action.
Howard was first suspended on September 29th with pay. Wednesday he was given a written reprimand. He will also have to write a letter of apology to the students involved.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Val Stackhouse Location: Freeport, NY on Nov 7, 2008 at 11:50 AM
I very rarely want to see, or suggest that someone lose their job. THIS is the exception. President Elect Obama was voted into the highest office in the United States based on a platform of change. Change peoples negative thinking, change the way other nations view us. This man must be punished for poisoning young minds.

Posted by: elmigo Location: chicago on Nov 5, 2008 at 07:57 PM
this is oone of those people that has little education and low self estine

Posted by: Faye Williams Location: Birmingham, AL on Oct 28, 2008 at 11:17 AM
I think that this teacher should be fired!! Teachers and coaches can't say a prayer before an assembly or before a game, but a teacher can use racial, hate-filled, deplorable words to describe a presidental candidate and it's ok?!! This is the type of thing that has kept racism alive and well in our country!!!!! And, if the principal, school board, or superintendent feels that a "10-day suspension" is adequate then their leadership should be questioned. No student, regardless of race, should have to endure hearing such negative things come out of the mouth of their teacher!!!!!

Posted by: Curmilus Location: North Carolina on Oct 27, 2008 at 09:47 PM
It should be Zero tolerance for teacher's behavior when it comes to racial comments.

Posted by: sandra collins on Oct 27, 2008 at 10:36 AM
he should not be a teacher they know better they are teaching our children if he will say that what else will hw teach them or has he taught them. we have to be concerned about our teachings. he should be fired

Posted by: Helen Location: Arizona on Oct 27, 2008 at 01:15 AM
I definately feel that this supposed "TEACHER" NEEDS TO BE RELIEVED OF HIS DUTIES. He should have better judgement than to share a message so crude with impressionable children!! This is an unacceptable outrage and should by no means be tolerated in any part of this society, especially in an arena where he is molding our children's minds and views. My disappointment is not sensitivity, but sadness that it could possibly NOT outrage anyone. Any race criticized in an educational setting is unacceptable. The superintendent should be repremanded as well, for sure for the minimal repremand!!Had the slanderous/racist word been used against him or 'his', it would be different, I'm sure.

Posted by: Tammi Location: Arizona on Oct 26, 2008 at 04:48 PM
I think he should be fired, if it was a black man saying something racist about a McCain he would have been fired and not allowed to teach anymore. We as a country are suppose to be treated equally and until we do people like Greg Howard are going to keep on thinking it's okay because they just get a slap on the hand and their back to work.

Posted by: Mary Hall Location: Harvest, Al on Oct 25, 2008 at 08:16 PM
I think that he should be FIRED ASAP. Teachers like that should not teach anywhere.

Posted by: Rebecca Location: port st joe on Oct 25, 2008 at 06:40 AM
Fire HIm NOw!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: SPHall Location: Ypsilanti, MI on Oct 24, 2008 at 12:32 PM
A ten days suspension is not sever enough punishment for this teacher's behavior. He should never be allowed to teach children again under any circumstances.

Posted by: A parent Location: New Haven, CT on Oct 24, 2008 at 11:50 AM
I feel bad for this teacher..no I feel sorry for him...the N word is used so freely and without thought..he should have been more aware of the students feelings.. we cant change the way some people think, feel or how they express themselves...but this was his classroom....what he did was wrong and it needs to be dealt with..to be fired (I dont know) not teach in that school (definitely)..I am an African American and I get outraged when I hear someone of my own race use the word...education is the key...and the use of this word by an educator makes you wonder who is teaching our children..It starts at home...and maybe his teaching did start at home and that is how he feels about black people...that's okay but there is a time and place for a lot of things and the classroom is off limits and should not be tolerated. He will definitely not get the teacher of the year award....he and people like him will be forever in my prayers.

Posted by: DEE ELLIOTT Location: Virgina on Oct 24, 2008 at 07:46 AM
No excuse FIRED THE TEACHER NOW. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH ... PEOPLE GROW UP

Posted by: James Arnold Location: Tennessee on Oct 24, 2008 at 07:30 AM
I'm married to a woman of color and we have two boys.If my child would have been one of those students getting fired would be the least of his worries.I'd find out if he was man enough to repeat that statement to my face.People like that are generally hipocritical cowards.I think that having someone like that teaching our youth is not only an outrage its trully sad that people like that people like that are allowed any where near a classroom.I fell sorry for his kids,that is if any one was dumb enough to breed with him.

Posted by: Kim Location: Palo Alto CA on Oct 23, 2008 at 06:49 PM
I would like to think that his comments were born of ignorance because the best thing about ignorance is that it's curable. However, I have a sneaking suspicion that this man is just "hard-wired to stupid" and there is no cure for that. He should be fired immediately! No one with that mindset should stand before children as an arbiter of education. His comment speaks loudly & eloquently of his own extreme & very obvious inadequacy. Shame on the School Board if they don't take immediate & decisive action to remove him permanently from his position. Let him find work suitable to his temperament; perhaps hog sloping.....

Posted by: Kay Location: Washington, D.C. on Oct 23, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Perhaps if Greg Howard can educate himself, he will find the truth in the writings of a great American hero, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. (Born 1841; Died 1935. Wounded three times for the Union in the Civil War and lived to become a Supreme Court justice). One of his many great quotes was: "Beware of how you take hope away from another human being." Mr. Howard, you deserve to be fired. But if you are half the educator you think you are, maybe you will wise up before your final lonely days.

Posted by: Bren Location: Lakeland on Oct 22, 2008 at 01:23 PM
That goes to show you that some people will stoop to any level to impose their poison on innocent children, just because they feel threaten by an African American who will end up in the WHITE House. They are afraid of what they don't know. So tell me why is this person teaching African American children? Fire HIM!!!!!!

Posted by: Gloria Strong Location: Lakeland, Florida on Oct 22, 2008 at 01:06 PM
He should be Fired !!! I would hate to know that my child would have a teacher that could say that to her. If he feel that way, he should not have imposed that on someone else kids. And he want kids to look up and respect him. Barack Obama wouldn't have ever spoke that way to someone else children. We always need to be careful who we put in charge of our children. He is a disgrace to the school system and for what they stand for. He should not be allowed to teach someone kids and lead them down this kind of path. The world is in bad shape now, and we have a teacher that would allow something like this out of his mouth. Fired him !!!

Posted by: constance wimbley Location: Alcoa, Tennessee on Oct 22, 2008 at 11:12 AM
He should have nevered applied to become a teacher. Everyone White does not feel this way. It is sad that he feels this way because Obama is just not black he is white also. He needs to be fired!!!! Nobody him teaching their child to be a racist.

Posted by: Ms. Toni B Location: Bloomington, Il. on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:11 AM
I feel Mr. Howard need to be fired because showing his racial attitude in school among his students have children thinking it is okay to disrespect others in colors. what's taught in school spreads abroad in the future. Mr. Howard need to be in a room full of NAACP people so he can be taught right from wrong and know when to use racial words.

Posted by: Mandy Location: Fla, on Oct 22, 2008 at 05:47 AM
He still have his job. They are not going to FIRED him. This is for the Black peoples only if you are still thinking about taking him to court he still can retired and not lose nothing it would be a wasting time because a judge can't do nothing about it after he already retired. He will do this if it come close to court.

Posted by: Mandy Location: Fla. on Oct 22, 2008 at 05:40 AM
For Christina Location: PA I agree with you, but the superintendent Danny Sim is on his way out anyway he fixing to be retired. We will be having a new superintdent later on around Nov. 4

Posted by: RESA Location: TN on Oct 22, 2008 at 02:22 AM
HE SHOULD BE FIRED PERIOD!ANY RACIAL SLURS AGAINST ANY GRPOUP SHOULD NOT BE TOLERATED IN OUR SCHOOLS.

Posted by: B Brown Location: Cherry Hill, NJ on Oct 21, 2008 at 09:19 PM
Fire him! Fire him! Fire him! Did he think that was funny? Cool? Since he thinks it's just fine to refer to Barack Obama as such, have him speak to a whole auditorium of black parents (specifically) and explain that. They would just love to hear his explanation. This man has the opportunity to shape the future of these students. He just can't be that stupid! We are days away from an election where these students (black and white) may be part of history in the making -- something that has never, ever been done before in the history of the United States and this moron reduces it to that. FIRE HIM PLEASE!!! I wouldn't want him to teach my dog to roll over. I hope all parents -- black, white, brown, purple, beige, orange, green, etc. stand up together and demand that there is no place for this super-idiot at Marianna Middle School.

Posted by: patricia Location: california on Oct 21, 2008 at 04:50 PM
why on earth would you think about keeping thia ignoramus around the children..they have enough to contend with without someone like him in their lives. HE HAS TO GO AND NOT BE ALLOWED TO TEACH IN ANY OTHER SCHOOL...

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Proud Marianna Resident on Oct 21, 2008 at 01:32 PM
There is an African American teacher currently uneder investigation for HIS racial slur. If is still teaching with FULL pay. Mr. Howard was removed before ANYONE knew the truth but that is not the same in this other case. Further, Mr Howard DID NOT come UP with the meaning he merely repeated it. AND STUDENTS SAID THEY knew he was joking. Bad joke bad judgment. He has been with us for ALMOST 20 years... how many of you have had a job for more than 2 much less 20? Either way GOOD people make mistakes and he is forever going to be punished. But if he was BLACK and said it, then it would be OK... double standard..3 years ago my 4 year old was harrassed on a bus here..and asked me why she is being called a CRACKER..by a BROWN girl... I don't teach color yet still BLACK KID BLACK DRIVER nothing happened. Am I bitter? No? Can change color only ignorance and intelligence so I hope thsoe will be what is focused on next. And I DO NOY KNOW either of the these teachers accused

Posted by: Christina Location: PA on Oct 21, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Floridians of all nationalities should be up in arms, and should be addressing the issue of a school teacher, who is entrusted with your most precious jewels, forcing his negativity and personally felt comments upon them. It is an outrage and the teacher should not only be suspended but he should be fired from his position and never be permitted to "teach" again. The superintendent should be next in line for dismissal.

Posted by: VET Location: NC on Oct 20, 2008 at 09:52 PM
It is so sad to hear some of the comments that people have. The bible say do unto other as you will have them do unto you. Some won't undarstand that because they don't believe in God. Treat people like you would want to be treated. Take away the color of our skin, and we all look breath the same. We have so many bi-racial children, not just white and black but of all race. They all play together, but you have stupid SO CALLED adults acting ignorant. Grow the heck up, the children are acting more mature then you. Here is one other thing for you, the word of God say, the first shall be last and the LAST SHALL BE FIRST. Blacks have been kept down so long,reguardless of what you say or do, God's word will ALWAYS stand. The teacher should be fired, no matter how he feels, he should be professional and should have kept his feelings to himself and not drag innocent children in it.I fell said for the children it effected. USA IS NO BETTER THEN OTHER COUNTRIES, WE SECRETLY FIGHT EACH OTHER, SAD

Posted by: R Hayes Location: Kuwait on Oct 20, 2008 at 12:59 PM
After 10 days this man will be back in school. How are the Black students going to feel? This man views will not change in 10 days. After using the N word he should be fired. What about his co-workers how will this affect them? This is not good for staff nor students. His opinon is more than this.

Posted by: monica meggett Location: florida on Oct 19, 2008 at 02:17 PM
This is crazy. This man should be fired. If a black teacher had been so blatently racist, would s/he have been fired? Most likely so. It upsets me to like in Florida and know we have such people teachiong our imprssionable children. Fire this guy!

Posted by: KenFromCalifornia Location: California on Oct 17, 2008 at 09:48 AM
quick survey: how many of you, white, black, hispanic, asian, how many of you can write the same thing on your employer's bulletin board and expect to keep your job?

Posted by: Many Location: Fla. on Oct 17, 2008 at 04:18 AM
JUST WHAT AFTER LAST NIGHT MEETING GREG HOWARD GET TO KEEP HIS JOB AND HE STILL WORKING.

Posted by: Sally Location: Illinois on Oct 16, 2008 at 03:39 PM
Greg Howard and the superintendent both should be fired. To allow someone with this type of racist attitude teaching in our schools says how poorly we monitor our teachers and coaches. This will come back to haunt this community if this allowed to happen.

Posted by: Gladys lee Location: Hampton va on Oct 16, 2008 at 05:40 AM
This teacher need to be fired, he does not need to be teaching any students with his behavior.

Posted by: Denisha Location: Georgia on Oct 15, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Suspending this teacher with pay is not enough of a punishment. He is has shown that he has no respect for African American people. And if he don't respect them or see them as equals in society, what makes you think that he would show any equality to the African American students in his class or in the school.

Posted by: Marty Location: Arizona on Oct 15, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Hate breeds hate. Why would anyone want to continue to live in a world full of hate? What good does it do? We are all part of this human race, regardless of color and nationality. There is so much at stake when people continue to promote hate and violence. He is a teacher and is able to influence in such a positive way--the people that are the future of this country. Where is his ethical and moral dignity? I think he should spend some time with an African-American family learning what it really means to walk in other people's shoes. Would he like his family members to be verbally abused? I say, "treat others like you want them to treat you." Please do not let this man influence the youth of your community!!

Posted by: Mandy Location: Fla on Oct 15, 2008 at 04:38 AM
It's not just Greg Howard everyone that you see and hear are racist even some of the black peoples are racist. You will hear more of it as the days goes by.

Posted by: stephanie sturdivant Location: green cove springs fl. on Oct 14, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Howard should fired this is not the kind of person we want teaching our kids.

Posted by: JoJo Johnson Location: lawrenceville, GA on Oct 14, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Galatians 6:7-9: " Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

Posted by: Missy Location: Florida on Oct 11, 2008 at 05:32 PM
I live in Florida, nothing is taken seriously! A white man could say that and then touch all the boys he would be let off with alcohol rehab and then claim he was gay (Foley). Don't expect the schools or law enforcement to do anything. They only care about keeping colored ppl down. Sad truth but all of florida is the NYPD, kill to keep killing.

Posted by: Lisa Location: pittsburgh on Oct 11, 2008 at 03:22 PM
i was very upset by what the teacher said. i remember being told my white neighbors that their sister was not allowed to play with me because i was black. i had no idea that was a common view until i was older. that was 30 years ago and we, as a country, have so much compassion for other nations in pain and for some reason can not see the pain that we cause each other. for me this is bigger than a teacher making a stmt. from reading these blogs our country still has some real issues. our only solution is God. if we can learn the real love of God, not lash out at each other, but really focus on the love of God.. we may have a chance and then get real CHANGE.

Posted by: Shirley Gaines Location: West Palm Beach Florida on Oct 11, 2008 at 05:42 AM
Howard is a Blatant racist and should never be allowed to teach anyone's child the rest of his life. He needs to be fired and he should serve time for the pain he caused those students and their parents. A letter of apology is not sufficient when hatred for African Americans is in his heart. Change is what he and thousands of white Americans need; a change of heart, seeing all men as created equal and not being judged by the color of their skin, but by their character. This evil racism will never end as long as there are Greg Howards lurking around. It is still a sad day in America. Why? He needs to find Jesus and pray for a CHANGE of heart. He is an educated heathen.

Posted by: Tammy Location: Pittsburgh on Oct 10, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Small Town Southern Girl? You're just proving the stereotype of what much of the country thinks of your kind. Small town = small minded. Would you openly say that to any Black people you know? Oops, I'm sorry, do you even KNOW any? Or do you think more highly of yourself than you ought? Funny how many of you applaud what he said, and will post things anonymously about Blacks not having the right to aspire to more than what you think is necessary, but if a news reporter came up to you with a camera and asked for your views, you would chicken out and hide your racist ways. You racists are the most cowardly beings there are and the dumbest.

Posted by: Mandy Location: Florida on Oct 10, 2008 at 05:43 AM
Wow you all sure making this so popular we be having a movie about this pretty soon LOL. Someone will be writing a book about Mr. Howard.

Posted by: Adams Location: Illinois on Oct 9, 2008 at 05:44 PM
As an educator myself, this is very disturbing because as a teacher you should be encouraging tolerance not racism.

Posted by: SJJ Location: Indiana on Oct 9, 2008 at 02:46 PM
Believe me, this teacher did not come up with this by himself. Blacks have been passing that acronym around through text and email for months. This teacher must have gotten a hold of it. This goes to show that we (african-americans) need to watch what we say about each other if we don't want it to be distorted by someone else. Right or wrong, that kind of language has no place in the school, especially by a teacher/role model. He should be fired.

Posted by: susie Location: Richmond Va on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:52 AM
as a Caucasian Iam appalled by this teachers teachings.I feel he should never be able to teach in any capacity he is a disgrace to all those who stand for good.to think this man is teaching our children who are the doors of our fucture its really sad.He must always remember he has to answer for all his actions in the end

Posted by: Michelle Location: TN on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:26 AM
It's a shame that in 2008 we as African Americans are still having to prove ourselves in this country. A Country that is supposed to be land of the free and home to the brave. But in some cases still does not consider us as good enough.

Posted by: Peyton Location: Johnson on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:26 AM
Does this man put his hood on every night and run around terrorizing innocent women and children like his demented ancestors? Wake up America.

Posted by: Peyton Location: Johnson on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:22 AM
This man is obviously a KKK terrorist. Anyone supporting him is also a terrorist. We have to eliminate the terrorism that is still going on in this country before we can tell other countries what to do.

Posted by: Monica Location: SC on Oct 9, 2008 at 07:35 AM
Ignorance cannot be allowed to be taught in schools by or to any race. People should not be measured by according to their skin color but by "the content of their character". Mr. Howard obviously has none. He exercised poor judgement. Do your part to stop racism from continuing to corrode our society. We've definitely got bigger problems.

Posted by: Jimi Location: Phoenix on Oct 8, 2008 at 11:47 PM
This 'teacher' should not be allowed to teach. What he did is despicable. The south needs to evolve.

Posted by: latrece on Oct 8, 2008 at 04:46 PM
White america at it's finest!! I can not believe that in this day and age you do not see the effects that using the N-word has on people. Espicially an educator in what is suppose to be an educational setting. The word was created and is used to make a race of people feel inferior, and from the comments posted you all feel that it's ok for an adult to impose this on a child!! Well you better wake up, because those days are over and things are going to CHANGE real soon. It's just too bad that you lack the common sense needed to recognize the need for change. Freedom of speech was not intended for the purpose of demeaning and degrading others; in an educational setting no less. Oh and check the ratings, Obama has been beating McCain long before this incident :-)But I'm glad he's been moved and I would love to see him try that same incident at the adult education school...probably has more sense than that though...just mess with the babies..my God!!I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL NOVEMBER 4TH..CHANGE

Posted by: mona Location: Cherry Hill, NJ on Oct 8, 2008 at 02:44 PM
God help this country!!!1..because we will never be great with small minds..Never reach our full potential...Think about it..when you try and hold someone back mentally or physically ..you are really holding yourself back..

Posted by: Bridgette Peace Bestor Location: Atlanta GA by Panama City on Oct 7, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Being an African American woman whose grandparents are from Jacob City in Jackson County, I am saddened to see such tolerance on something so blatantly wrong. For an "ADULT" who chose the profession of giving a child hope to feel confident enough to present such a thing to students with no fear of recourse, only adds to the rage of African American youth and the assurance of it being ok to carry on with racism to the Caucasian youth. I ask the question of what has my father, husband and host of relatives who have served their country for achieved. I am ashamed to say that it was not for freedom, it has been for the freedom of ignorance to continue. While all make ignorant posts and see nothing wrong with what was done, the outside world is laughing at how left behind Jackson County is. Believe me, it is loud and clear that it houses many uneducated individuals stuck in the outhouse era with a dirt road to nowhere. Change: Christ Has Always Negotiate Gods Eternal-love is CHANGE

Posted by: Mandy Location: Florida on Oct 7, 2008 at 04:47 AM
Now since all this happen all Black peoples will now vote for Barack Obama. While all the white peoples vote for McCain. You peoples need to drop this stupid racism deal it ended long time ago. We have to go on with our life and get along with Black and White peoples no matter what.

Posted by: Louis Location: SC on Oct 6, 2008 at 07:43 PM
It is only inflamitory when some people write or say it.

Posted by: tink Location: florida on Oct 6, 2008 at 07:41 PM
nobama should also be fired for his racial comments,,,,,why make a big deal of what some teacher makes, but it is ok for nobama to make racial comments,,,,,,why is that, is it because he is black and that makes it ok,,,,,,,,hmmm NOT

Posted by: Dave Location: Fla and Proud! on Oct 6, 2008 at 07:33 PM
Awesome role model for our kids. The crazy thing is, it wasn't even a slip of the tongue or anything, he set them up for it like it was a joke. Who do we have teaching our kids?

Posted by: Mandy Location: Marianna on Oct 6, 2008 at 04:20 PM
This is a free county and he have the right to say anything he wanted. He been a great Teacher for many years. He should keep his job. All Rappers said the N word so what the different?

Posted by: Small Town Southern Girl Location: Texas on Oct 6, 2008 at 04:00 PM
I applaud Greg Howard for his change acronym. He was only voicing what many of the good citizens of Jackson County and the surrounding areas have been thinking since Obama announced his intention to run for president.

Posted by: Dave Location: Miami, on Oct 6, 2008 at 03:09 PM
It has become real clear that there are people in this country that only recall fragments of the Constitution and will resort to using their lack of Constitutional awareness as a crutch whenever it suits them. In theory statements such as, "Last time I looked this was still a free country. With the ability to engage in free speech, whether or not we aprove of what the speaker is saying" sound great but to suggest that public school teacher working with kids should say whatever they feel just because of "free speech" is psychotic.

Posted by: P Location: K on Oct 6, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Budster Nice job trying to rationalize racism. Thanks for letting us all in your ignorant, pathetic views. I'll bet you have a Confederate Flag on your pickup. Learning to treat other people with respect is NOT brainwashing, which this moron obviously needs. When your clan meeting is over, you should check it out also.

Posted by: Jack Reight Location: CSA on Oct 6, 2008 at 10:50 AM
So now I finally know why Obama's been spewing that stupid word around so much. Makes sense now!!

Posted by: trippin Location: PA on Oct 6, 2008 at 08:05 AM
Racism evidently is institutionalized in this Florida community. This man should be fired, and for not doing his duty, the superintendent should meet the same fate.

Posted by: Future Educator Location: Freeport on Oct 6, 2008 at 01:00 AM
This is terrible. Everybody keeps saying get over it, but why would this teacher even think of using this word knowing it would hurt and anger the students. When I moved down here from up North I was so surprised to see how much racism is abroad the United States. I thought it was over. Most Northerners have learned to live as equal. There is not as much segragation as there is here. Most towns have black and white living all over towns and not just in specific areas. We live,die, breathe, cry and bleed all the same. Maybe America Needs Obama..besides we need to get as far away from the BUSH administration and his "followers". My children which we are white get punished for using the N word just as much if they use the F word. The teacher should no longer be allowed to teach in any school, and besides I do not think any of what he was teaching is on the FCAT so why is he teaching it. I was being funny on the last comment...HAHA

Posted by: JSG Location: Midwest, USA on Oct 5, 2008 at 08:27 PM
The crazies in this nation are REALLY getting desperate, and it's going to get much worse the closer the election nears. Palin's insanity has likewise started to hit a fevered pitch, since she realizes this is her only chance to become president. I wouldn't be surprised if the right wingers switch back into their terrorism mode, but instead of attacking woman's health clinics they are going to be attacking polling stations. Most Republicans are still trying to win either win the civil war or WW2 (their side lost both of them). And considering both Palin and her husband are part of an Alaskan separatist movement, they don't consider America their country either. No wonder she resonates with so many conservatives.

Posted by: b.james Location: Wilm De. on Oct 5, 2008 at 08:17 PM
In my heart I knew it was coming. I thought that Sen OBAMA might at least be elected before someone canned the phrase. Yes the Superintendent is saying its only a minor infraction. The teacher is being rewarded with a paid vacation. The decision by the school board shows an underline tolerance for such behavior. Send him to work to an inner city school so that he can remember every day that his comments and teachings should be to enrich and motivate all minds. Not to tear down and instill negativity.

Posted by: scott Location: ft lauderdale on Oct 5, 2008 at 08:08 PM
suspension ? fire him . he has no business teaching anyone anything .how can we let morons shape the lives of our children . FIRE HIM , this person is a virus in society.

Posted by: budster on Oct 5, 2008 at 05:06 PM
"Diversity and sensitivity training" : liberal for brainwashing

Posted by: Jessie Location: Scottsdale, Arizona on Oct 5, 2008 at 05:03 PM
If this incident had happened in the school district where I have been a teacher for 20 years, there would have been a huge public outcry, resulting in the teacher being fired. The fact that the teacher in this case is still employed says a great deal about the teaching standards of the Jackson County School District and the moral integrity of the citizens of Jackson County, Florida.

Posted by: me Location: ny on Oct 5, 2008 at 04:45 PM
Last time I looked this was still a free country. With the ability to engage in free speech, whether or not we aprove of what the speaker is saying. Suspend him but don't fire him. as well as having him attend sensativity training.

Posted by: TM Location: dayton on Oct 5, 2008 at 01:54 PM
How do you know the teacher wasnt saying:THIS IS WHAT JOHN MCCAIN WOULD SAY CHANGE MEANS? HOW DO WE KNOW THAT THIS TEACHER IS NOT A OBAMA SUPPORTER? USING THE N WORD SHOULD GET HIM OUT BUT ONLY IF BLACK STUDENTS WHO USE THE WORD ( EVEN IF "FRIENDLY") GET SUSPENDED YOU CANT PICK AND CHOOSE WHO USES THE WORD

Posted by: Ron Location: California on Oct 5, 2008 at 12:30 PM
how about the irony of the middle school being the Bullpups and the high school the Bulldogs. in any event, this is what you would expect from the right-wingers whenever their true thoughts are revealed. Bush, Cheney, McCain, Palin... they're all part of the same "Joe Sixpack", "Hockey Mom", Greg Howard crowd.

Posted by: julie Location: fla on Oct 5, 2008 at 11:02 AM
why so sensitive?

Posted by: Terri Location: Southwest Virginia on Oct 5, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Teachers far too often have a teenage mentality. They think something will be funny to these kids and don't think of the consequences. Teachers need to realize part of the educational process is the example they present to kids not just text book information. They should lead by example.

Posted by: Isabelle Location: San Diego, CA on Oct 5, 2008 at 10:13 AM
I'll define change for you. Your fired. Now that would be change. A white guy teaching racism is not change.

Posted by: alston green Location: NY on Oct 5, 2008 at 09:45 AM
This type of behavior is unacceptable. Especially influencing innocent minds as American Youth. Personally I think he should be removed from the school system completely

Posted by: Rose Location: Ft. Lauderdale on Oct 5, 2008 at 07:34 AM
This guy is a bigot. He should be fired.

Posted by: annie on Oct 4, 2008 at 07:31 PM
I have lived in Jackson Co.,Fl. my entire life. It has always been a racist town. Everybody knows it, but nobody wants to say it. Well let's stop sticking our heads in the sand and own up to where we are. We have not progressed. We have a few blacks on certain boards, but it is overwhelmingly white that you see in any buisness that you go into. We have not gotten better because we do not want to. Pepole can tell you anything, but if there are so many unbiased whites in jackson co., then why are we still not progressing as fast as Quincy or tallahassee as far as blacks being hired in positions other than fast food? Say what you will, but Jackson co. has and always will be a predjuiced town.We walk around with blinders on.Just telling it like it is!

Posted by: annie Location: fl. on Oct 4, 2008 at 07:06 AM
the "N" word was suppose to be buried and everyone is so sensitive to it, but listen to all the rap songs its in most of them is it ok for some to use it and get wealthy from it? if its not to be used and the ones who use it get punished why arent all the rappers getting alot of heat about it?

Posted by: Al Location: Port St Lucie, FL on Oct 3, 2008 at 04:29 PM
Deputy Superintendent Moore says that this is inappropriate yet Howard still has a job. If that isn't condoning his actions then I don't know what is. Moore and Howard need to go! Maybe the town needs some sensitivity traing from the Rev. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. BTW I'm white and 54 years of age.

Posted by: Ann Bowen Location: Maryland on Oct 3, 2008 at 10:12 AM
How old is Teacher Greg Howard in Marianna Middle School? I have been waiting for the older white racist generation to die off. Some how I thought racial harmony was getting better. After his remarks, I am sure we are still living in a mentally ill world because that's what racism is all about. Get over it! We are not going back to slavery. Your whip was a weapon back in the day and now it's your "N" word. Just think how beautiful life could be without the hatred. Stop burning up your brain cells with your racial anger. Take an angry management class. Your will balance your life.

Posted by: Tcher Location: Navarre on Oct 3, 2008 at 06:12 AM
I have no sympathy for this Teacher. It's hard enough to do a good job for our students without somebody like this even THINKING about using this kind of statement. You don't learn good judgement, as an adult you either have it or you do not. I believe the School Board should help him find a new career; the hard way.

Posted by: Dave Location: Vegas on Oct 3, 2008 at 12:40 AM
You can't say "Neophyte?" I don't see the problem!