Students protest teacher's remarks to classmate

A teacher from Fulmore Middle School is now on administrative leave after reportedly making some insensitive remarks to a student. 

In response to the remarks, dozens of students walked out of class on Wednesday as part of a demonstration in support of the student. 

The principal of Fulmore, Lisa Bush, sent a letter home to parents about the incident. In the statement she said two weeks ago a teacher made an insensitive statement when a student responded to her in Spanish. Bush said comments like the ones the teacher made aren't tolerated. The school immediately addressed the situation with the teacher and students. 

Additional Austin ISD police officers were sent to the campus to help with the mostly peaceful protest, which lasted about 40 minutes. 

The teacher is on administrative leave while the school reviews the incident. 

Below is the full letter sent home to parents:

Dear Fulmore Middle School Community,

The well-being of all Fulmore Falcons is our top priority. With this in mind, I am writing to let you know about two incidents that have occurred and have affected our campus.

About two weeks ago, a teacher made an insensitive statement to a student who responded to her in Spanish. Comments such as the one she made are not tolerated, and we addressed it with her and with her students immediately.

Our counseling and administrative team worked with Austin ISD’s Department of Social and Emotional Learning to engage students in conversations facilitated by a district SEL coordinator or our own counselor.

Today, several dozen students walked out of class in protest related to this issue. Additional Austin ISD police officers were sent to the campus to assist with the mostly peaceful protest, which lasted about 40 minutes. All students returned to class.

The teacher has been placed on administrative leave while we review the initial incident. Because this is a personnel matter, we cannot provide further information.

We encourage students that when they hear something that sounds inappropriate to report it immediately to an adult. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 512-414-3437 if you have any questions. As always, we appreciate your support of Fulmore Middle School.

Sincerely,

Principal Lisa A. Bush
Fulmore Middle School