Schools
Amityville Teacher Calls Black Student 'Monkey': Video
An Amityville Memorial High School teacher was reportedly heard calling a Black student a monkey during a livestream of a football game.
AMITYVILLE, NY — An Amityville Memorial High School teacher is being investigated by the school district after he was heard on a livestream calling a Black student a monkey.
Amityville Union Free School District Superintendent Mary Kelly said in a letter Monday that the teacher has been "removed from school grounds." She did not name the teacher.
The teacher can be heard on a livestream of a high school football game April 24 referencing a Black player.
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"You remember Howard Cosell? Look at that monkey," the teacher said. Howard Cosell was a sportscaster who was criticized for calling a Black player a monkey during a televised NFL game in 1983.
You can hear the teacher's comments in this video:
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On Wednesday night, outraged parents gathered at a Board of Education meeting to speak out.
Kelly condemned the teacher's words but urged the community to be patient during the investigation.
"We find the alleged statement to be reprehensible and not aligned with Amityville’s values," Kelly wrote in her letter. "While we understand and sympathize with the anger and sadness being expressed by those in our community, the district must follow proper procedures."
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