Regardless of how frustrated or annoyed teachers and school administrators are with their students, there are certain lines they shouldn’t cross. A Lancaster Independent School District staffer went too far when recently he threatened a student with deportation.
When the 14-year-old failed to address the district employee as “yes sir,” the Barack and Michelle Obama Ninth Grade Center teacher showed the student a coin with the word “ICE” on it. “He told him, ‘Even though you are a citizen, Trump is working on a law where he can deport you, too, because of your mom’s status,’” the unnamed student’s mom told KTVT in an interview.
His mom, who has permission to be in the country, chose not to be identified for fear of retaliation, but she did go to school to question officials. “Basically, he was afraid,” she added. “You show him this ICE thing. He doesn’t know what that is. All he knows, he knows what’s going on right now.”
Elijah Granger, the superintendent of Lancaster ISD, initially told Yahoo Lifestyle that the staff member was put on leave. “Lancaster ISD does not support, nor will we tolerate behavior that promotes division,” the statement read. “Our school district takes pride in being an inclusive district that puts students first regardless of their background. It is our goal to ensure a quality education for all students and a safe learning environment.”
By August 29, the teacher was “no longer an employee with Lancaster ISD.”