Karen Savage, a white teacher at a middle school in Lithic, Florida, was fired after she allegedly hung a Black baby doll by its neck during class to get students’ attention. The incident triggered backlash from students and parents and led to an internal investigation that ended in her dismissal.
Savage taught arts at Barrington Middle School in Lithic. According to the New York Post, she reportedly used a black wire to tighten around the doll’s neck during a Monday class, then placed it so it hung over a wall-mounted television in front of students.
One student, Noah Carter, 14, recorded part of the moment and later spoke to WTSP. He said Savage took the doll from a student and displayed it after noticing the class was not paying attention.
Students quickly reacted and challenged the act, saying it was inappropriate and racist. Carter said Savage dismissed their concerns and told them it was just a joke before removing the doll.
Carter also said he tried to report the situation to the student affairs office. He claimed the teacher followed him and interrupted while he explained what had happened, which he described as disturbing.
The video later spread online after Carter’s mother, Nina Williams, posted it on social media. She said students questioned the teacher directly during class and raised concerns about the doll being hung by its neck.
Williams said Savage laughed off the reaction and repeated that she used the act to get attention from students. She added that the situation caused harm in a learning environment where students should feel safe.
Barrington Middle School officials initially removed Savage from her classroom while reviewing the case. The Hillsborough County Schools District later confirmed she was fired on Wednesday following the investigation.
Williams also said she is considering legal action against the school district over how the incident was handled.
SOURCE: blacknews.com