A White Georgia teacher who allegedly used the N-word while talking to students in class has been suspended pending investigation. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, Alexandrea Boyington, an art teacher at Alcovy High School, was pointed out for using the racial slur by students.
Boyington is a former teacher of the year. In a statement, officials at the Newton County School Systems said they were informed about the incident after a video of the conversation was shared on social media.
The students said Boyington asked them about the appropriate time she could use the racial slur in the video. “Say I date a Black guy,” the teacher reportedly said. “Then I can say n***a?”
After several students told her “no”, Boyington continued saying, “‘Cause I got a n***a,” before the video cut.
Some students who spoke to the news outlet in the aftermath of the incident called Boyington out for using the racial slur. “There was no reason for her to say that,” Malik Montgomery, a senior, said. “When I saw the video, I was disappointed because as a teacher you are supposed to keep your profession, and just keep your composure.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Newton County Schools said the incident is under investigation and Boyington has been placed on administrative leave. “Over the weekend, Newton County School System administrators received notification of a video circulating online that allegedly involved an Alcovy High School teacher making inappropriate statements in class,” the spokesperson said.
“The teacher, Ms. Alexandrea Boyington, is currently on administrative leave pending the outcome of our investigation.”
ALthough Montgomery said he’s pleased authorities are looking into the incident, he said Boyington’s employment should be terminated. “She shouldn’t even be suspended,” the student said. “She should be fired.”