SUMMMERVILLE — A Cane Bay High School teacher has become the target of protests and social media backlash after a video surfaced of the teacher allegedly using a racial slur.
In a video posted to TikTok, viewers can hear someone saying the n-word, noting that it was rooted in racism.
The video opens with one individual commenting that "it's not even the right flag, it's literally rooted in racism." Another individual, whom the school district confirmed as the teacher, can then be heard responding, "So is (the 'n-word'). They're both rooted in racism, y'all."
Berkeley County School District spokeswoman Katie Tanner said the district is aware of the video and that the clip captures a portion of a classroom conversation around words and objects rooted in racism.
"The teacher did make the statement that a racial slur, which the teacher identified out loud, is rooted in racism," Tanner said.
The situation is still under investigation, and BCSD officials said it is being addressed in accordance with school and district policy.
Students of Cane Bay High School organized an in-school protest on Sept. 21 in response to the teacher using the slur. A press conference is planned for 9 a.m. Sept. 24 at the steps of Cane Bay Trail.
Organized by Justin Hunt, a local activist and president of Stand as One, he said they organized the press conference to show their solidarity with the students.
"The victims are the students," he said. “It's sad that we even have to take action over stuff like this.”
He also said he wants people to understand that they're not upset over the conversation around the slur alone. If the teacher had just used an abbreviated format of the word or if she had just alluded to it, there wouldn't be a problem, he said.
He argues that the teacher should've had enough awareness and education to know not to say the word.
“It's because she said it in its entire format," Hunt said. “She has to be terminated."
A Change.org petition was also posted online demanding the termination of the teacher. As of Sept. 23, the petition had more than 1,100 signatures.
Since the situation involves personnel, details from BCSD are limited. District officials did not identify the teacher.
"Berkeley County School District promotes a welcoming and supportive environment that celebrates and values diversity and respect for all students, employees, and stakeholders," Tanner said.
