On Feb. 2, 2016, I substituted for the 7th grade social studies teacher at Clear Creek Middle School in Buffalo, Wyoming. The teacher, Tanner Hart, asked me to have students present their projects during the final period. During lunch break, I noticed that the project on top was of a stereotyped Mexican with a knife plunged into him with the caption, “Can You Stick a Pin in the Mexican?”
I went down to the office with the project - a cereal box where the knife could be inserted by the viewer. The secretary and principal, Darren Schmidt, both indicated that they had already seen it. My understanding of the short conversation with Mr. Schmidt is clear. At three points, I indicated that I could not have such a project presented. He insisted that I do so, ultimately ordering me to do so. I refused categorically. I returned - still with the project in hand - to the room and, shaken, and called my sister.
During the following week I expected a follow-up from the principal and waited in the office lobby during prep periods. Although extremely tense, there was no further discussion. I was scheduled to teach the same class on Feb. 12 - the teacher wanted me to show the students Civil War uniforms and medals from my family. While I was teaching at Buffalo High School, Mr. Schmidt called the high school secretary and my home number to switch me out.
By this point, it was clear to me that my substitute opportunities were evaporating - except for prescheduled dates from teachers who had requested me. I scheduled a meeting with the district superintendent, Gerry Chase. I also discussed the matter with my minister, Rev. Bob Miller, who was shocked upon seeing the project. At the first meeting, the superintendent seemed concerned, but had no knowledge of the incident and asked me to return the following day to meet with the principal. The second meeting was far less cordial - with the principal accusing me of being an ineffective substitute. He also indicated that the project had been discussed the previous week - which meant that it had been in the classroom for that entire week. I was told that I asked too many questions.
I travelled to New Mexico for a week to care for my sister after an accident. When I returned to teaching, I had a three encounters with police on my first day back. I had never had a policeman in my classroom or following me prior to this. Coincidence? By March, the number of openings posted for me had declined to almost nothing - a 95% drop. The sub system is online and firewalled - I suspect the elimination of slots from those teachers who had already requested me would have been too obvious.
I have a doctoral level education in history, graduate work in music, and a B.S. in statistics. I can walk into a classroom without any prior knowledge of the material and teach effectively. And the students welcome me as I come down the hall. A parent stopped me in the high school office last week and thanked me for inspiring her two children to learn about other cultures. I find it ironic that the day I plan to speak out is my last day substituting in Spanish.
There has been a long pattern of racial, gender, and sexuality bias in Johnson County. It seems clear to me that the administration simply wishes to sweep matters under the rug - boys will be boys. In 2011, the Buffalo High football coach was forced to resign after he circulated a “Hurt Feelings Report” that was brutally sexist and homophobic. He remains the school guidance counselor.
The project in question was disturbing, but it was the response of administrators that was profoundly unacceptable and illegal. Not only did they permit an intimidating message of genocide to remain in the classroom, they also attempted to silence the person who challenged it. Rather than a source of conflict, this incident can and should be utilized as a learning opportunity.
And I do ask questions.
Saludos — —