Texas Teacher Not Returning To Work After Osama Comments To Student

Last Monday, the world was talking about the reports of the death of Osama bin Laden.  One Clear Brook High School teacher took it upon himself to make jokes at the expense of a Muslim student.  The freshman algebra teacher told one student, who is described as an American-born girl of Muslim faith,

"I bet you're grieving."

When the student asked what he was talking about, the teacher said that he heard about her "Uncle's" death.  A mother of a student who witnessed the comments described the situation, but asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation against her daughter.

"The student ended up crying over what was said to her by the teacher and the teacher asked her why she was crying and another student said it was because of what you said earlier. And his response was, oh, OK, and just kind of smirked and giggled and walked away."

After the news of the teachers comments was made public, Elaina Polsen, Director of Public Information for the Clear Creek Independent School District issued a statement.

"In the Clear Creek Independent School District, we believe diversity strengthens our community and seek opportunities to celebrate the different cultures within our schools and neighborhoods. The sentiments allegedly shared by this teacher are not reflective of the staff at Clear Brook High School or anyone within the Clear Creek Independent School District. In accordance with CCISD policy, the teacher has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of a personnel investigation.

The student did the right thing and immediately notified an adult regarding the teachers' comments. The principal at Clear Brook High School notified the child's parents and has been in communication with the family."

The teacher was suspended after the incident pending a personnel investigation , and a week later it was announced that the teacher would not be returning to work.  Elaina Polsen would not confirm if the teacher was terminated or left of his own accord, saying that all personnel records are confidential.

via KTRK-TV and TalkingPointsMemo.com