Florida Teacher Suspended After Allegedly Telling Students That Dating Black Boys Is ‘Not Worth It’ And Calling Them The N-Word

Teachers help to shape the lives of the next generation of leaders. While the majority of them are passionate about their work, a few bad apples can give educators a bad rap.

According to reports, teacher David Swinyar has been suspended without pay from his position at Kernan Middle School in Jacksonville, Florida after Duval County Public Schools officials determined he acted inappropriately around students. After a parent complained that Swinyar used the n-word in class last October, Kernan’s principal referred the matter to the Office of Equity and Inclusion/Professional Standards.

An investigation by district officials concluded Swinyar engaged in “inappropriate communication” and “exercised poor judgment.” 

“Mr. Swinyar exercised poor judgment when he engaged in inappropriate communications in the presence of, and/or toward students, by using the ‘n’ word in a conversation with students and/or when he referred to a student,” the district’s findings read.

In addition to allegedly using a racial slur, Swinyar also apparently referred to his pupils as “dumb” and cautioned female students against socializing with Black boys.

“You all should not be dating all these different African-American boys because they are not worth it,’” Swinyar allegedly told students.

Swinyar’s suspension comes just a week after another Florida middle school teacher was removed from the classroom after a Huffington Post reporter found she was hosting a racist podcast under a pseudonym. Though the teacher claimed the views expressed on her show were satirical, officials at the Citrus County School District are investigating.

Despite his shameful conduct, Swinyar will reportedly remain employed by the school district and is scheduled to return to the classroom after his 10-day suspension is completed.