A Riverside Unified School District math teacher was on suspension today following web-based media posts from her classroom appearing as she was occupied with a Native American war dance.
“These practices are totally unsatisfactory and an offensive portrayal of the tremendous and extensive Native American societies and practices,” as indicated by an RUSD articulation. “Her activities don’t address the values of our locale … The Riverside Unified School District esteems diversity, value also, consideration, and doesn’t approve any kind of behavior against these values.”
“We are profoundly dedicated to executing comprehensive practices and strategies that honor the rich variety of our region and the surrounding area. We will be working with our understudies, families, staff, and district to recapture your trust,” the assertion finished up.
The video, obviously recorded by her student of Native American descent, which in all means caught the masked educator from North High School wearing head feathers, chanting, and moving around her desk as though in the center of a war dance or another custom, which was not recognized in the video.
Distributed reports showed the instructor has worked at North for over a decade, however, RUSD has not affirmed that data, nor her identity. A few understudies laughed during the scene, as per the video.
The explanations behind the educator’s actions and how they may have identified with the lesson plan were muddled.
The video cuts were flowed generally through online media and came to the consideration of RUSD administrators Wednesday.
The instructor was set on paid managerial leave due to the pending investigation, as indicated by the school region.
Sabrina Cervantes, D-Corona, Jose Medina, D- Riverside, and James Ramos, D-Highland, issued a collective statement communicating judgment of what unfolded.
“It is disappointing and discouraging to see Native American and native culture addressed in a particularly dull and obtuse manner,” agreeing to the lawmakers. “However, this is not an isolated incident, as such teaching practices have been used across the nation. It is time that we stop this behavior. We need to ensure that students learn about themselves in positive, accurate, and appropriate ways.”
