Strayhorn told the board he was concerned about the pride, dignity and welfare of his daughter, who he said has received counseling. Strayhorn also said the family is seeking a lawyer.
Michael Browning, who is white, served the unpaid suspension the first week of November after students reported to school administrators that they heard him mutter the slur, “black (expletive)” under his breath after the student argued over a grade Oct. 15 in an African-American literature class.
In an interview with school officials, Browning denied using the slur, though he admitted to using “racial jokes” in the classroom, according to the investigative report.
On Tuesday, Browning declined comment, referring questions to the teacher’s union. Fairfield Classroom Teacher’s Association President Tim Adams did not return calls or an e-mail sent Tuesday.
Gary Hines, president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People serving Fairfield, Hamilton, Mason, Lebanon and West Chester Twp., said the community should be outraged.
“We have enough issues with students being bullied by peers ... Now we have to deal with teachers calling students names.
“I think the union is a smokescreen for the district ... Three days (of unpaid leave) is like a handshake. It’s like a wink. I think the union should have said, ‘We’re not going to stand for that.’ ”
Fairfield district spokesman Randy Oppenheimer said officials “imposed the most severe level of discipline that we felt would be upheld under the due process required by state law.”
Board President Jerome Kearns reiterated his statement, saying the suspension “is consistent with our contract policies ... He’s served his suspension and we’ve moved on.”
The investigative report — signed by Browning, Principal Billy Smith and Superintendent Cathy Milligan — said future incidents may result in further disciplinary action, including termination.
Browning was previously employed by the YWCA in Hamilton, a non-profit dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women, according to his resume.
Before teaching in the Fairfield district, he taught in the Hamilton school district and the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, according to his resume. He’s a licensed social worker and is certified in child care counseling.
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