Stop Usage of the N-Word in Class

c vraiment pas cool en sah

We must stop to use of the N-Word! It is degrading, disrespectful and inhumane.

Students and teachers do not need to say the word to understand the importance and gravity behind it, in fact saying it probably has the opposite effect.

Long overdue

Shut ur mouth

acab

I understand discussing the word in an educational context and teaching students why it’s not okay to use the word. I do NOT understand why teachers at CMS/CHS have forced students to use the word when they are reading passages from books. If a student is already uncomfortable and unwilling to say the word, the lesson is already clear - the student already knows that the word carries a past of racism and dehumanization. While we should still have students read books that use the word and discuss the history of the word, no student should be encouraged or forced by a teacher to read the word aloud.

I remember when I was a student 5 or so years ago, my English teacher had our class actually formally debate whether or not it was okay for white people to say the n-word. Mind you, the class was entirely non-black except for one girl, who I imagine must have been extremely uncomfortable. The teacher’s intentions may have been decent enough but it was a beyond tone deaf exercise. Plus, the primary instances of reading the n-word in assigned books (throughout all of my Chatham schooling) were from white authors. We need to push for expanding our schools curriculum to include more authors of color. As we all know, there is a disgusting, violent history behind whites’ usage of the slur. It makes no difference that many in the black community have pushed for a reclamation of the word; it is not our right, as white people, to wield it. Instructors should in no way perpetuate the idea that white people can say the n-word. The classroom is a place to engage with tough questions, but by allowing white teachers and students to say the word, we are creating a hostile environment.

It is not okay for someone who isn't black to say the n-word.

Racism bad

As an alum of Chatham High School I agree that teachers pushing students to read books aloud as is, including using the N-word is not okay and should not be continued. While I think that students should be educated about the history of race in this country, using this word is offensive and creates an uncomfortable learning environment for everyone.

This problem is worldwide. As a student in England many teachers have used this slur for absolutely no reason when they could’ve used another word (which isn’t an offensive slur) to describe black people.

I remember being in 8th grade and feeling so uncomfortable, but basically being forced to say the N word while reading To Kill A Mockingbird out loud in class.

It’s not just the English department, it’s sometimes used in History too.

I’m shocked to hear that teachers actually say that word out loud. I grew up in a household where that word was considered profane. You just don’t use it, ever. I agree to ban it!

Read the books--don't keep saying the word out loud,

This is extremely important, and I am so glad it is being brought to light. I remember reading To Kill A Mockingbird in 8th grade, and my white teacher had us take parts reading the chapters. When it came turn to my part, I read through but skipped over the N-word. However, she paused the class, and told me it was okay - OKAY?! - to say the N-word because it was solely for literature purposes. At the time, I didn’t really understand why she would say that (she ended up reading the N-word) because I was always taught to never say it. As I grew up and educated myself more on racism and the systematic oppression that was built in America 400 years ago from slavery, I realized just how racist the nation is today. What’s even worse is that my WHITE teacher normalized this racist, dehumanizing slur to a class of 25 young children. This is completely unacceptable for grown adults to behave this way, and it just goes to show how privileged and ignorant the Chatham school system really is.

Saying the N-word, and worse, making students say it, is inappropriate and insensitive to those insulted by the term. Do better! Teachers encourage growth and change in their students. They need to model it and stay current. I can’t believe this petition is necessary but barring use of the N-word in the classroom is absolutely necessary.

This is so sad this even needs to be said. Gross.