Waterbury teacher on leave over racism allegation

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH/AP) -- The Waterbury school district is investigating after parents complained a teacher made a racially insensitive comment.

Most students, some parents had no idea a teacher at North End Middle School is in trouble for what she said.

"Really, I had no idea," said parent Marie Marceli.

According to the Waterbury Republican , Kathleen Pyles, a white teacher, called an African American sixth grader "black boy" when she forgot his name.

Officials say the incident occurred in May. They were told the teacher called the child by the wrong name, and when he pointed that out she responded by saying, "How about black boy? Go sit down, black boy."

Patents had mixed reactions.

"Well I guess that's a bit much, I think it's a bit much for any kid to be addressed by race," said parent Edward Barnes. "You could say young man, or sir, or whatever."

The school is investigating the allegation and patents say it shows the incident isn't being swept under the rug.

"Look deeply into, to find out if they are definitely talking about racial problems, cause there could be one," Barnes said.

In a statement, school officials say "...if the allegation of making a racist comment is proven true, the district will take action."

The teacher is now on paid leave and News 8 has learned she is a first year teacher. Students say she is well liked but may have said wrong thing.

"She is racist, it's not right," said eighth grader Wendalie Hernandez.

The Board of Education discussed the incident at a meeting Thursday night.