A Catholic school in Chicago fired a history teacher after using a racial slur for Black people during a class discussion about sports teams and a meeting with administrators.
Mary DeVoto started a discussion about the former name of the Washington Commanders, which was the Washington Redskins for over 80 years, and why it was offensive. She told her students that the name was equally as bad as the N-word, using the entire word to get her point across.
A student in DeVoto’s class recorded her lecture, and it went viral on social media. Her lecture was part of a lesson on Native American culture for a World History class at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School. The school is an all-girls Catholic institution in Mount Greenwood.
The school administration got wind of the lesson and moved to suspend DeVoto and later terminated her position on Monday, Feb. 7.
According to Chicago Sun-Times, she reportedly used the N-word again during meetings with them as she tried to explain the situation.
In a statement that announced her termination, school officials said the firing was necessary “because of a subsequent conversation with the teacher in which the same racial slur was communicated in its entirety several times despite clear and formal directives to stop.”
“The N-word is never acceptable in any gathering of, or setting with, the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas,” they added.
The teacher of 41 years reportedly claimed that she used the slur because she was trying to make her point clear to administrators. She also said she would never do it again.
“You can’t just talk about wonderful things in history. We have to talk about the underbelly. But I agree I did not present that lesson well, and it wasn’t conducive to the learning experience for my students. I am mortified and want to fix it,” she explained.
Her daughters started a petition for her in hopes that she would be reinstated.
“My mother has dedicated her career to Mother McAuley. My two sisters and I attended Mother McAuley. Mary DeVoto is a wonderful teacher, person, and asset to her community. She is not a racist. She has raised two biracial daughters and one Indian daughter as a single mother,” they wrote.
“Mary DeVoto has taught and nurtured thousands of students over her 41 years. She has never been accused of racism…I am asking you to please help my mother…Do not let this one moment ruin the legacy of a 41-year career. Please sign this petition to Mother McAuley to reconsider her termination.”
So far, 4,809 of their 5,000 signature goal has been made.
School officials have not yet commented on the petition.
