Slidell Teacher No Longer Employed After Posting Comments on Facebook About Nike Ad
A teacher at Slidell High School is no longer employed there after making a racially inflammatory Facebook comment regarding the Nike ad featuring Colin Kaepernick.
Valerie Scogin, who has taught math at the school since 2008, wrote the message in the comment section of a Slidell graduate's post on September 5. This was two days after Nike unveiled its "Dream Crazy" campaign featuring the former NFL quarterback who gained notoriety for leading protests against racial inequality by kneeling during the National Anthem before NFL games.
Scogin's Facebook post was widely circulated on social media. She started by writing, "They don't have to live in that country. They could go back. But it was their own people selling them into slavery to begin with and tearting (treating) them even worse in those countries of origin.
"Want not to be stereotyped, tell people of that color to quit acting like animals and perpetuating the stereotype. Many are average people; the few ruin it."
In a statement released Tuesday, the district said a full investigation in the incident was launched and the teacher was allowed due process.
"This process has been completed, and the teacher in question is no longer an employee of our School System," the statement read. "This incident does not reflect our district's values, mission and vision, and we remain committed to providing a school culture that is inclusive and meets the needs of all our students, employees and community."
The teacher did later apologize in a post on Facebook, saying her original post may have been hurtful and she was reacting to another Facebook post out of frustration.
I made some remarks that were against my better judgment and sensibilities. I now wish I hadn't. Anyone who has known me for any time should know that the last thing I want to do is hurt anyone. I apologize for what I said and sincerely wish to avoid this in the future.
According to the school's website, Scogin is a 2003 Slidell High graduate and received her bachelor's degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.