Open Letter to Franklin Administration re: Events of Racial Insensitivity

BFHS, Class of 1995. As an educator myself, I have had similar discussions as the incident here with other teachers, including another teacher at Ben Franklin. Usually, I don't confront prejudiced comments for fear of starting an argument. However, prejudice is being taught in our schools, so I am not at all surprised by this incident. Respectful dialog creates an environment of tolerance and understanding, but bigoted words create an environment where bigoted actions become acceptable. If we as a society cannot recognize that racism exists, then we are endorsing it.

Class of 2011.

Class of 1993. I do not approve.

There's no excuse for this. This man should be fired immediately.

As a parent of a Franklin alum, I was greatly disturbed to read about this incident. When my daughter attended, she always left welcomed and comfortable at Ben Franklin. It is my hope that every student who attends Franklin will never have to face prejudice of any kind. Franklin should be a safe haven for every student.

This is absolutely unacceptable. This is not the Franklin that I proud myself of being an alum. This situation needs to be handled and not pushed aside. The ignorance of this teacher will not be accepted anymore. This is supposedly his second or third time saying or doing something of this manner, but the first was one time too many. And I applaud the young Falcons for standing up for themselves and not letting something of this magnitude be pushed aside and swept under the rug. And to those of you who believe that we are "butthurt" you are obviously not a current or former falcon because you would understand the seriousness of this occurence. Franklin is known for is major diversity and that is something to be proud of, but do you think that this diverse group would continue to thrive under these disrespectful conditions? This "coach" Ryan was disrespectful and foolish. Anyone with the title "coach" is supposed to lead and be a role model for students and make them feel safe. Instead of going back and forth with and agitating students. This needs to be fixed ASAP. -Meghan C/O 2015

There should be zero tolerance for this blatant racism at Franklin. I am ashamed of my alma mater and immensely impressed by and proud of this student for his strength in calling out this 'teacher'. This should never be on the backs of students of color who have enough to deal with on a daily basis. Time for Coach Ryan to go and for Franklin to make some serious changes.

I'm withholding financial support of BFHS, my alma mater, until REAL change is shown.

It will NEVER BE OK to use the N word no matter what, Ignorance is BLISS, and teachers of all people to use it in class or anywhere is pathetic.

Context matters in our society. It is irrelevant that black people sometimes use the n-word to refer to each other without offense. If it is used by a white person and offends a black person, as it usually will, it matters not whether the person uttering the slur intended to cause offense. Insult should have been expected and avoided. I'm a white person, and I know that in our culture it is generally offensive to use that word to a black person, so I don't do it, even in jest, as it is inappropriate. If one is an educator, it is even worse, as one is expected to adhere to norms of professional conduct. One of my favorite teachers at Franklin, Mr. Felton, never said that word, and as a black man, some might have thought he had liberty to do so. People of color in our society have enough to overcome without cavalier attitudes about slurs causing them more pain. At Ben Franklin, you are teaching the brightest kids in our community. Many of the kids of all races you teach are destined to become community leaders and should be entitled to your respect. When I went to school at Franklin, I played four square with a black kid who was funny and talented. He went on to greatness in the music world. If Wynton has heard about this, I'm sure he's disappointed that this sort of thing is occurring at Franklin in 2017. Ed Bingman Class of '78

Ben Franklin's staff should engage in Race and Equity training to teach how dynamic, disrespectful and damaging this comment is.

The student speaking out against the teacher is what embodies the Franklin spirit. Without him, how many others students would "coach" Ryan's rasicm be forced upon?

Why yall so butt hurt. Must be the new popping thing, everyone likes to be butthurt

i dont even think this is a big deal, yall just butt hurt af

I think my use of the word is justified.

He needs to be gone, yesterday. Public apology from the admin, and give this young man credit for standing up for himself against an absolute embarrassment of a substitute teacher. Franklin must do better for our students.

Class of '15

This is an utter disgust and outrage. I only wish I could've graduate from such a place with a grand legacy only to see it tarnished by an idiot.

I refuse to show monetary support to my alma mater until it shows support of different ethnicities and genders.

There should be no tolerance for racist comments especially by teachers and if the school decides to keep the teacher all it does is show that they are lacksadaisical in responding to racism as it evident by the previous three examples