Norfolk principal apologizes for mock auction of black students

[cali]

By Steven G. Vegh
The Virginian-Pilot
© April 9, 2011

NORFOLK

The principal of Sewells Point Elementary School has apologized to parents for a teacher's classroom exercise last week that cast her black and mixed-race fourth-graders as available for sale.

The apology came after the teacher separated the students from their white classmates and auctioned them, division spokeswoman Elizabeth Thiel Mather said. The exercise was part of an April 1 class on the Civil War.

In an April 6 letter sent to parents of students in the class, Principal Mary B. Wrushen wrote: "I recently became aware of a history lesson that was presented to the students in Ms. Jessica Boyle's fourth grade class. Although her actions were well intended to meet the instructional objectives, the activity presented was inappropriate for the students.

"The lesson could have been thought through more carefully, as to not offend her students or put them in an uncomfortable situation," Wrushen wrote.

<snip>

Wrushen declined to comment Friday. Boyle, who has been with the division since 2005, did not return a call to the school. She has taught at Sewells Point for three years, and before that was at Dreamkeepers Academy, according to the division website.

<snip>

http://hamptonroads.com.nyud.net/2011/04/norfolk-principal-apologizes-mock-auction-black-students

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. Wow

Lot of stupidity there. Not to mention lack of sensitivity.

[dixiegrrrrl]

2. WTF???????????????

This invasion of brain snatchers, aka the Regressives, is going to leave me with a permanently dislocated jaw.

:wow: :wow: :wow: :wow:

[cali]

3. it is pretty amazing how anyone could be so stupid.