Massachusetts teacher suspended after conducting mock slave auction, principal says

SOUTHBORO – A Massachusetts teacher is on leave after the school’s principal said the teacher held a mock slave auction and then used the “N-word” during another class several months later.

It happened at Margaret Neary School in Southboro. Principal Gregory Martineau said the first incident occurred in January when students were learning about the Southern colonial economy and slavery. While teaching students about the triangular trade and slave auctions, Martineau said, the teacher held a mock slave auction with two students of color.

“Conducting a mock slave auction is unacceptable and violates the district’s core values. Simulations or role-playing are not appropriate when teaching about historical atrocities or trauma, and these teaching methods should not be used,” Martineau said in a letter sent to families.

The second incident occurred in April when the teacher was reading a book that was not part of the fifth-grade English core curriculum. During the reading and discussion of the book, the teacher allegedly used the “N-word,” which does not appear in the book. The next day, the teacher reprimanded the student who reported it.

Following an investigation, both the teacher and the school’s principal, Kathleen Valenti, were placed on leave. Valenti’s leave lasted 10 days, but the teacher remained absent. The teacher was not identified.

Parents shocked by alleged incidents

Parents who spoke to WBZ said they were shocked and saddened by the alleged incidents.

“It happened in January and we just got the news,” said mother Nagma Casey. “It’s shocking to hear this only last night. We didn’t know anything about the incident.”

“It was horrifying to see the principal stand by and do nothing when the same teacher did this for the second time,” said one parent who wished to remain anonymous. “I am concerned about my child being able to attend this school and how the school system can protect them from bullying and racism.”