Recently, a video went viral of a White teacher in Pflugerville, Texas telling a room full of Black students that he believes Whites are superior to them.
He was recorded telling his students he believes in racial superiority.
"Deep down in my heart, I'm ethnocentric, which means I believe my race is the superior one."
The definition of ethnocentric is "the idea that your own group or culture is better or more important than others."
While the definition of ethnocentric is not quite the same as racism, the teachers comments after the students repeatedly asked him if he was a racist, made it clear how he feels about the matter.
When a student questioned him and asked if he is a racist, the teacher doubled down.
"I think everybody is a racist at that level."
Then he further made it worse when the students continued to give him opportunities to clarify.
The student asked again if he said he is a racist.
"I did. I did."
"If I'm going to be honest with you."
"No I'm not going to say it again. I've said it enough."
\u201cA teacher in Texas is on administrative leave after telling students \u201cdeep down in my heart, I am ethnocentric, which means I think my race is the superior one\u201d\n\nhttps://t.co/gBPu96uYB4\u201d— Andrew Jerell Jones, Luke 1:37 (IG:twdbk3) (@Andrew Jerell Jones, Luke 1:37 (IG:twdbk3)) 1668369118
The teacher—whose name was not released—was suspended by the school board pending an investigation after the video went viral.
In a statement Monday morning to The Dallas Morning News, Pflugerville ISD Superintendent Dr. Douglas Killian said the teacher is “no longer employed” by the district and they are “looking for a replacement.”
A district spokesperson for the district later clarified the teacher resigned during the investigation.
The district's official statement said:
“We want to reiterate that this conversation does not align with our core beliefs and is not a reflection of our district or our culture at Bohls Middle School."
"The advisory discussion was inappropriate, inaccurate, and unacceptable; and this type of interaction will not be tolerated in any PfISD schools.”
It is still not known why this conversation took place or what the purpose of it was.
You can see local news coverage here:
Pflugerville ISD places teacher on leave over 'inappropriate conversation' | KVUEyoutu.be
The full statement from Dr. Killian read:
"Last Friday, Nov. 11, Pflugerville ISD officials were made aware of an inappropriate conversation a teacher at Bohls Middle School had with students during an advisory class. As of Monday morning, Nov. 14, the teacher in question is no longer employed by Pflugerville ISD and we are actively looking for a replacement."
"In addition to providing this video to our administrators, the video was shared on social media by some in the class and has prompted local and national media attention. We apologize to any parents whose students have been included in the video without their knowledge."
"We want to reiterate that this conversation does not align with our core beliefs and is not a reflection of our district or our culture at Bohls Middle School. Pflugerville ISD and Bohls MS staff work together to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all of our students. The advisory discussion was inappropriate, inaccurate, and unacceptable; and this type of interaction will not be tolerated in any PfISD schools."
"We apologize to our students and families at Bohls Middle School for the undue stress or concern this has caused. We have counselors and administrators available for any of our students and families who want to discuss this situation further."
"We always do our best to ensure the safety of all students; we encourage them to be self-advocates and let an adult know when something is wrong, as they did in this situation. If you see something, say something."
"As always, we appreciate the support of our Bohls Middle School families and entire PfISD community."
People are debating on Twitter if the teacher's comments were meant to come across the way they did.
Some people are focusing on the definition of ethnocentric.
\u201c@MajinSpitfire @Phil_Lewis_ His mistake was saying 'race' because ethnocentrism goes beyond race and is heavily geared in culture. We can be ethnocentric against our own race for instance blk African can feel that blk American is inferior or a wht American feel that a wht Russian is inferior etc.\u201d— philip lewis (@philip lewis) 1668369003
\u201c@Phil_Lewis_ Is he not wrong? Do most groups not believe there\u2019s in some way is superior to atleast one other?\u201d— philip lewis (@philip lewis) 1668369003
Others noticed he did specifically say he was racist.
With as many times as the students asked him, he could have easily clarified his answer if it wasn't meant to be the way it came across.
\u201c@Phil_Lewis_ How ridiculous. Fire him.\u201d— philip lewis (@philip lewis) 1668369003
\u201c@Phil_Lewis_ @Megawatts55 If administrative leave is all he is facing that\u2019s not enough.\u201d— philip lewis (@philip lewis) 1668369003
\u201c@Phil_Lewis_ Good on the kid that first said, quietly but clearly, "I don't respect you no more." Damn good.\u201d— philip lewis (@philip lewis) 1668369003
\u201c@Phil_Lewis_ It\u2019s disturbing how racist people try to get philosophical and try to soften their racism with \u201cEveryone is deep down inside\u201d\u201d— philip lewis (@philip lewis) 1668369003
People demanded action be taken.
Now that the teacher has resigned, it's unclear what will happen if anything.
@PreetBharara/X
@RepBrendanBoyle/X
@twesq/Bluesky
@christopherharris/Bluesky
@evangelinewarren/X
@FrankC164/X
AMC