Is using the “N” word in the context of an academic lesson in an urban public school appropriate? A teacher in the Chicago Public School District has sued the district in federal court after he was suspended for five days without pay for using the “N” word in what the teacher described as a “teachable moment[i].” The teacher who is a white male in his late forties, claims during a lesson on Huckleberry Finn and the perils of racism, two of his students were passing a note that had rap lyrics with the “N” word in the lyrics. The teacher further claims that at the point of intercepting the note with the lyrics, he used the “N” word to as a point of discussion concerning hurtful language. Unfortunately, the teacher said the “N” word just as the Principal walked into the classroom.
While the results of the court proceedings have not been decided, arguments of freedom of speech and counter arguments of verbally abusive, inappropriate language in front of student, and cruel, immoral, negligent, or communication to a student that causes psychological or physical harm are being raised by both parties[ii]. Additionally, from the teacher’s perspective: fear of a ruined reputation.
Unlike the number of racially and culturally insensitive incidents that have occurred in schools over the past couple of years, the significance of this case could alter the landscape of teaching and learning. For decades, culturally sensitive issues such as slavery, racism, sexism, and gender identity are considered “third rail” subjects. These subjects are taught in a generalized manner and the complexities of the subjects are rarely discussed in a manner that allows students to learn through a critical lens. The students are therefore cheated, their learning is stunted, and their un-informed biased is allowed to continue unchallenged.
This case also challenges the freedom of speech of teachers, and the ability of a district to protect students from speech the district considers inappropriate, offensive, or volatile by its staff. The incident in question challenges two controversial beliefs: 1) using the “N” word is never appropriate and 2) non African-Americans, especially White-Americans should never use the “N” word in any context.
If the Chicago Public School District loses their case, a precedent will be set that will take away the two beliefs previously mentioned. School Districts across the country may find themselves having to defend the right to freedom of speech of teachers who have been empowered by the case and believe the use of the “N” word is acceptable to use during a lesson. With a racial imbalance among the teaching staff in a majority of urban school districts, having non African-American teachers using the “N” word could cause a backlash from students, parents and cultural organizations.
In this era where an African-American was elected President of the United States, many people feel racial equality has been achieved and the stigma of slavery has been overcome. Unfortunately, there is still work to be done to achieve equality and it starts with ending the achievement gap in our public schools. While the teacher in Chicago is worried about his reputation, a lot more is at stake for students in urban school districts if the teacher wins.
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