GRAHAM, N.C. — Curse words, vulgar language, and even a racial slur on a middle school homework assignment have some parents upset.
According to the Alamance-Burlington School System, an 8th-grade class at Graham Middle School was given the assignment to look at the origin of words and how their meanings have changed over time.
The issue is the choice of words. WFMY News 2 obtained photos of the assignment. The packet had words like BS fully spelled out, the n-word, and other vulgar language. The students were instructed to give the etymology, definition, and synonym, and write a sentence using the word.
Even the school district seemed surprised about what went down in an Alamance Burlington classroom.
According to the district, the teacher's assignment was in response to kids swearing in the classroom. The district said there was a conversation in different classrooms about how foul language isn’t appropriate. The district also said that the etymology of words is part of the state curriculum. However, the district said it doesn't agree with how the teacher went about this assignment.
Lawanda Johnson’s son received the homework assignment. She was not happy.
“He felt like he did something wrong,” Johnson said. “I was so emotionally distraught my blood pressure was so high I was in bed by 7 p.m. that day that's how upset I was.”
Johnson said her son took photos of the assignment and sent them to her not long after his English teacher placed the assignment on his desk.
“My son said he told her he was uncomfortable doing the assignment. I said Son what did she say when you said you were uncomfortable,” Johnson said.”He said she said I have no choice either do the assignment or get a zero.”
Johnson said she went to the school to get an explanation.
“Her excuse was that she was trying to teach them not to use those words,” Johnson said.
Before the assignment, the district said school staff had conversations about problems with students using profanity in classrooms.
The assignment also came with a cover sheet explaining how the overuse of swear words led to the assignment.
Johnson said her son told her only three students received the assignment.
“No one else in that classroom received that assignment,” Johnson said. “I asked my son.”
Alamance Burlington Schools said 20 students in the English class got the worksheet.
In a statement, the district wrote: "Please know that this in no way represents the views or core beliefs of ABSS. Although this assignment impacted a small number of students, we felt it was necessary to personally call each of their families to discuss and apologize."
Johnson isn't satisfied and wants the teacher fired.
“You are there to inspire and to uplift. To put these words in front of them is degrading my child,” Johnson said.
Another parent who didn’t want to be named said her son got the assignment as well.
She said she wasn't offended but wishes the school would've notified parents before giving out the assignment.
The district said it's investigating as the teacher is still employed at Graham Middle.
ABSS released the following statement about the matter:
"We became aware today of a language assignment that was given to about 20 students at Graham Middle that we deem inappropriate because it contained some vulgar language.
The District is currently investigating the matter and will address it as appropriate.
Please know that this in no way represents the views or core beliefs of ABSS. We are committed to the success of all our students and expect all staff members to uphold that commitment each and every day.
Although this assignment impacted a small number of students, we felt it was necessary to personally call each of their families to discuss and apologize.
Our goal is to always maintain a positive and transparent relationship with our families here in ABSS."
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