Cumberland County Schools Superintendent responds

[fywacia]

What a disappointment, I couldn't hear a word he said on my laptop.

[Patriot042]

FIRE HER BLACK ASS! She had NO RIGHT to pull a mind game on that poor little girl! Why don't she get a job at the world trade center before it got HIT with those planes? Why not ask a soldier what they think of being in Iraq? I HAVE! And they told me that they couldn't wait to go back! Sure, they miss their families but, they are working on providing stability in the middle east! GOD BLESS OUR SOLDIERS!!!

[911dispatcher]

If he really believed what he is saying, then why hadn't he ALREADY given proper instruction to the teachers. Isn't THAT his job?

[ashleyb1430]

According to Mary McArthur's website updated on 1/5/10, Ms. Harris is still teaching 5th grade there.

[Eldiabloshammer1]

What kind of an Investigation does he need to do other than look at the video?Here is how it should have happened. Diantha did you allow a foreign film crew into your classroom without the permission of the students parents or the School board? Yes sir I did. Diantha did you use Jesus's name as a swear word? Yes sir I did .Diantha did you do know it is against school policy to berate a student? Yes sir I did .I'm Sorry Diantha but we are going to terminate your employment for misconduct !!

[jadecmcclure]

"do you want your daddy to be in iraq for 100 yrs" fear changes minds quickly! a pathetic display! our contitution is being raped by both parties!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!

[83annelou]

Shame on the school district for not making an example of this thouroughly unprofessional teacher. Also a college graduate should speak better this woman's version of English is frightening.

[83annelou]

I do and am also fluent in Spanish. I was a highschool teacher. This type of teacher is more damaging than encouraging to students. She is also a bully seeking to put forth her own political agenda. Had she done this to my child I would have made sure an example was made of her. I can't imagine why the school board has not suspended her and held an investigation. I also would like to know who recorded this and if she knew she was being recorded.

[BumperMorgan]

Wow, really dillonrosalind? Double standards will not stand. I too supported/support Obama but her berating of the kids in support of McCain is unacceptable. Angry or not, she showed an unmistakable political bias and knowingly singled out those kids with whom she disagreed. There is no place for this behavior in a class room.

[UglynerdMan]

i hope she was fired and blacklisted from teaching. even though i like Obama and support him very much this is wrong and her way of showing her support is wrong. shes using steering tactics on children. she should be ashamed.

[ManchurianCandidate1]

MAKE HER ACCOUNTABLE- pls keep on main page-

Diantha Harris works at Mary McArthur Elementary.

The principal's name is Lola B Williams and the school's phone number is (910)424-2206.

You can email the rincipal at:

LolaW @ ccs . k12 . nc . us (remove the spaces)

The School Superintendent is William Harrison.

His number is (910) 678-2300.

**it's not okay for teachers to use scare tactics to promote their own agenda***

[jbjumpback]

Mr Harrison please make public the action of the Cumberland County School board in regards to this case.

Requesting a one time exception of School Board Policy..make public TODAY the minutes of the Cumberland County School Board meeting of November 13 2008 on your web site.

Regards

Citizen and Parent

[BRMickster]

Excellent response by Mr. Harris. Teachers are supposed to encourage children to think on their own and develop their own ideas, not to intimidate them into accepting narrow minded ideas. Black or white, Democrat or Republican, everyone who views the appaling actions of that teacher should be outraged. How dare she do that to anyone, let alone a child. How dare she.

[MamaOAwesome]

Not surprising, unfortunately. This type of thing is the reason many are choosing homeschooling. This is the tip of the iceberg, there are many more like her that aren't filmed. She ought to be kicked out of teaching, but I'm sure the teacher's union will come to her rescue, along with the NAACP...

[mystratplaysforme]

The whole school should be under investigation. And if you looked deeper, you would find hundreds just like her in that district. As a student in that district, I can tell you first-hand that teachers just like her are everywhere, openly harrassing students who support Mr. McCain.

[ltinjuly]

Dr. Harrison -- WELL DONE!!! Oustanding response to a bizarre and difficult situation.

[You8Dirt]

That fascist/racist teacher should be fired and then she should be prosecuted for hate crimes. There should be zero tolerance of racism.

[Boazhorribilis]

Welcome to my nightmare! I left a shitty place in E. Europe in the early 70's to rid myself of this mentality and... what do you know!?!

[Shamus323]

Barack will pardon her, or better still make her Director of the U.S. Department of Education!

[gdqqps]

Maybe the Superintendent should be fired as well for allowing violations of the Hatch Act.

[You8Dirt]

Gdqqps: Good point. I think the school and teacher should be investigated for violations of the Hatch Act and of hate crimes. I think the teacher should be fired and they should investigate to see if this fascist policy of the indoctrination of racism and politics is widespread. Perhaps the superintendent and the school board and union should be investigated/prosecuted.

[WenchyOne]

I am the parent of children in the Cumberland County School system and I too am shocked that such occurred in the classroom and while I have always supported Public education it is an incident of this nature that makes me rethink my position and support of public education. My children do not need to be told how to think they need to be taught how to think for themselves and to make their own choices without emotional bullying and manipulation.

[kentucki7]

Wow, how can you trivialize this situation? An attack on a white conservative? I saw an attack on a little girl with a military dad. Is sexual abuse the only form of abuse you disagree with? More than one sort of injustice in the world, even out of the South. And all of them require us to stand up. Shame on the teacher and shame on you.

[IanSchultz13]

DON'T SACK HER, she was making them think.

[gdqqps]

Yeh, she sure was making them think. They were thinking about how they can laugh and point fingures at the little girl on the playground because she isn't part of the gang. But the little girl was made to feel shame and embarrassment because this black bitch humiliated her.

[williamsdad44]

agree...nice pc statement...now DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

[You8Dirt]

IanSchultz13 (That fascist liberal school teacher was making that little white girl think like Hitler made the Jews think in World War II Germany. That school teacher should be fired and then prosecuted for hate crimes. That school teacher and those blindly obedient racist children, are the equivalent of storm troopers.

Dont drink the Kool-Aid. Dont be such a hate monger. Enlighten yourself get an education and learn some facts and morals.

[envirobog]

LOL! Don't drink the Kool-Aid, LOL!

I LOVE It!!!

[ricktalks2much]

Ok,that was a nice P.C. statement sir but now it's time to fire this woman or anybody else that interjects their political or religious beliefs in the public school system

[lallydagger]

Hey, maybe this teacher was looking for an invite to the White House. I am sure... why not..maybe she can sit next to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. After all.. he DID call Oboma to congratulate him. THAT hasn't happened in 30 years. Way to go. Guess he was sleeping durring 9/11? We are sleeping with the enemy. Do you think the teacher even knows who Ahmadlnejad is? DOUBT IT.

[YOUzotzah]

In addition to belittling her 10 year old students, MS Harris failed to follow prudent protocol in protecting her students privacy. An article in the FayObserver states she did NOT HAVE PERMISSION from the school to host a foreign film crew while they filmed minor children WITHOUT PARENTAL PERMISSION.



If that is true, EITHER ONE OF THESE IS GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL.

[YOUzotzah]

The teacher knew the film crew was from a foreign country. She knew this film was going to be broadcast in a foreign country.  A FOREIGN COUNTRY ! Not the local Fayetteville TV station doing a positive piece on the community. An Award-Winning Foreign Film Crew portraying the United States of America in a hateful-negative manner. In a time of war, could this be viewed as Aiding and Abetting The Enemy ?

Another area the investigation should consider.

[lallydagger]

Does anyone out there really think that there will be any approprate action taken by the

" spineless " guy in charge? NO WAY !!!! He should be more concerned about the grades that these kids are getting and the reputation of his school, And also... why does the teacher speak like she is getto? Is this the future of America????? Guess so....... bend over people !!!!!

[ddsharper]

It's the south. No one talks properly.

[kentucki7]

Yes, I think Dr. Harrison will take action. Why does the teacher speak like she's getto? Because beginning teacher's salary doesn't entice many college students which has created a national shortage of teachers, thus, forcing school systems across the nation to hire people who are less than optimum for the classroom.

[reelynow]

I'd like to know (after they fire this idiot teacher) how they plan to deal with the Principal... How in the world did the Principal not know that this teacher made these comments? They allowed cameras/video from an outside source into their school and the head administrator didn't bother to oversee what was being taped or at least review it when they were done? Her head should roll as well.

[Hijinx59]

Recent Cumberland Co Test scores show Teachers need to spend more time teaching Kids to read and less time expressing THEIR VIEWS on politics . Her "OH JESUS" comment shows her disapproval ... any child would feel that her opinion was not valued by this Teacher . Public Education in NC is in a sad state of affairs indeed ....and that is not based on just this issue ....Look at the NC Test Scores . Can anyone say Vouchers ? I knew you could .

[MirabiliaMania]

thank you Hijinx59, I agree with you totally.

[priddy77]

And of course she is going to be fired, right?! In my opinion after seeing the video there is no need for an "investigation". Five letter word... F-I-R-E-D

[NateJones893]

I live here in Fayetteville, NC (Cumberland County) and was SHOCKED when I saw this video (The one of the teacher in class, not this guy)!! This is why I may consider private school for my children. I hope that the appropriate action William Harrison takes is to remove this teacher from our school system. She will have no problem finding another job say in, oh I dont know Chicago.

[yohannaleese]

We all say things sometimes miguided by our passion before realizing we've put our foot in our mouths. In this case you have a teacher who is passionate but forgot she was influencing young minds. Firing the teacher wouldn't erase the comment. But teaching the teacher would give her the added sensitivity she could pass on. I hope school officials will use wisdom and consideration. If in her shoes I hope that I would be given lenancy if found to overstep my boundaries. I am a military soldier.

[kentucki7]

yohannaleese, I also believe in lenancy to a point. But, I don't want my children guided by someone else's passions. From the "Oh, Jesus" comment, the inappropriate way to she talked to the students (yes, all of them), to having your classroom taped without going through proper channels...this teacher clearly forgot many strict classroom taboos and has little to offer any student!

[dillonrosalind]

my sentiments exactly. The whites conservatives are having a field day on this issue without knowing all of the facts. The parent of the child in question is supporting this teacher. If she is not offended why should anybody else be.

[bluejays6]

Because even if the parent of that child wasn't offended, there are OTHER students in the room, that at the same time are getting fed this person's b.s. and biases. You must not have kids in school.

[dillonrosalind]

I am working on my master's in teaching for your information and I know there is more than one side of then story. The video was edited and until I see the entire video, I reserve the right to wait to pass judgment until I get all the facts. It just not the parent of student that supports her the rest of the community does as well including the superintendent. Its still up to them to take a action based on ALL the facts not just a three minute video. Not outside spectators with misinformation!

[Junebug1960]

It doesn't matter HOW the video was edited dear. A teacher, in any classroom, in any county, in any state, should NOT be force-feeding his/her own political beliefs on their students. This was an abuse of power and the woman should be removed from the classroom. There have been numerous cases that have been tried during this election cycle, the courts have all come down on the side of neutrality.

[Junebug1960]

In what institution of higher learning would they accept your sub-par English skills? Man!  It's no wonder our schools rate below most third world nations.

[bluejays6]

Junebug: I agree! Unfortunately many colleges don't care about English skills. The agenda in college is even more prevalent, (although not always as obvious) except for when some college students have secretly taped the lectures! I know from experience, that unfortunately it's the norm. And as far as this woman? People in that district PAY HER SALARY & SHOULD be outraged, no matter what their beliefs. For her abusive language and her 'OH JESUS' comment.

[bluejays6]

Sorry, but none of that impresses me, and has nothing to do with my point, therefore I am done responding to your comments. If you had any children in school, you'd understand the issue.

[dillonrosalind]

My point exactly. But you are not concerned when white teachers do it, but you are in a uproar over this lady. Hmm I wonder why?

[bluejays6]

Reply to 'My point exactly.':

The post I made below was addressing your post regarding working on a Masters Degree, NOT on your comment re MS schools, or white racist teachers. I REPLIED to your msg directly, why it didn't show as a reply to that msg I don't know. I very much agree, white racist teachers are NO BETTER and should ALSO be removed as our childrens' teachers!

[ddsharper]

People make mountains out of mole hills, especially in the south. They get more upset about someone attacking a white conservative than a teacher sexually abusing children. did this guy make any vids on teachers caught with their hands in the cookie jar? I doubt it. Holy crap!

[envirobog]

Let me say, that what was said was said  (edited or not!!!) Also if this was the other side of the fence, the teacher would be, being accused of being a racist, religious freak that should be removed from the school district.

Oh yeah, and just because you are working on your masters in teaching, don't make you a parent, or someone who knows anything more than the average citizen!!!

[dillonrosalind]

Actually, it is on the other side of the fence. My mother works in the MS school system and there are plenty of white racists teachers making hard for their black students who supported Obama. They students are divided black v. white and nothing is being done to those teachers either. So excuse me if I don't share your outrage maybe I will when are you just as upset when the white teachers do it!

[envirobog]

For me its not a Black vs. White issue, its a morals vs. economic gain issue!

[dillonrosalind]

You are ready to crucify this lady but when I flipped the coin. Oh, it not about race. Yeah right!

[envirobog]

Please don't presume to know where I stand on racial issues! You don't even know what color I am! I believe that ANY TEACHER, (red, yellow, black, brown, or white) should have to answer for this REDICULOUS behavior!!!

Also if you'll read my first post again you'll see that I don't want to CRUCIFY anyone!!! I just think that this teacher should go job hunting, that's all!

I'm not sure that you know what crucifiction is, we can discuse this also if you like.

Good day!

[dillonrosalind]

I know you are not Black!

[envirobog]

Dillon, You said in a post,

"I totally agree ddsharper. The majority of the people who are still commenting on this issue are a bunch of racists." and then you add a comment. What is that saying about your self? I thought that you and I made peace with one another. How do you know what color I am?

[dillonrosalind]

I know you are not black because of the way you responded to this video. What other races perceive as anger is not how we necessarily perceive anger. Since her voice is forceful, you assume that she is angry and degrading the child when in fact that is not her intent. Some of you said the same thing about Michelle Obama when she did not smile much at first. We, African Americans saw that as focus while some of you said she was angry.

[oracleofdelphrey]

What matters is not her subjective intent but how a reasonable person would interpret her behavior.

[dillonrosalind]

I think her subjective intent matters very much when people are calling for her head. As I stated before their is cultural different how whites and blacks perceive things. I don't see her as being unreasonable maybe she should have worded things differently, but I really don't see why its such a big deal unless their is some other underlining issue.

[mileyrocksxx]

@dillonrosalind

"That is so stereotypical!" You can't say that a black person perceives things differently than a white person. Every individual on this Earth is different and unique, and will not view any said opinion in a certain way due to their race. Your comment was racist and stereotypical!

[dillonrosalind]

@mileyrocksxx Unless, you are African American, then you can't speak on how we view things. The fact remains that culturally we have different perceptions and you are ignorant to think otherwise. Yes, everyone is an individual but environment and experiences do shape certain perceptions especially as it relates to minorities What is typical is that some white people think they can speak for experiences of every race.

[Patriot042]

@dillonrosalind Only a freakin' LIB-TARD would think like this! The "underlining issue" is that she has NO RIGHT to use a scare tactic on that little girl & embarrass her in front of the other students! The "underlining issue" is that she needs her teaching license YANKED & her ass kicked 2 the BREAD LINE where obama has put so many people! I'll bet that U STILL don't see the "underlining issue" of the mistake that's been made by voting "osama" N2 office? Because, he's "BLACK?" R U KIDDING ME?

[dillonrosalind]

@Patriot042 Give me a break the fact that you are still on here talking about the issue let's me know that you are redneck yourself. This happened about two and half years ago. Get over it! Obama won and will again in 2012.

[Patriot042]

@dillonrosalind Your BOY is going DOWN in 2012! Better start stocking up on your tissue paper to dry your little eyes? When he goes back to Kenya, why don't you go with him? He could use your support and retirement!

[dillonrosalind]

Yes, I am the teacher in the video if that is what you want to believe. I am merely standing up for a teacher who words are blown out of proportion with some of you self righteous white folks.

[83annelou]

It is shameful that she interjects her political opinion but even more shameful is her making a child feel her opinion is wrong. She also doesn't speak well, her grammar is hard to understand and a teacher should sound like a college graduate.

[ddsharper]

dillonrosalind is correct and te rest of you can go to the hot place.

[bluejays6]

WELL SAID, Envirobog!

[envirobog]

Thanks for noticing!

[ddsharper]

the other side, as you call it, would be removed. think again. look up teacher calls student nigga.

[envirobog]

This teacher should also be job hunting!!!

This is also what the victim in that video has said, does that make him a racist like I have been accused of on this thread?

[dillonrosalind]

I know a whole lot more than you do on the subject matter. I understand how its difficult to be a teacher and deal with all you whiny parents who love to try to get teachers fired and wonder why it hard for people want to teach your children. If you think you know so much why don't teach in this school and deal with parents like you and see how you like it!

[envirobog]

NO! You don't know anymore than anybody else! Check back in when you have some school aged children that you are sending off to school to soak up the values of another person! I never said that teaching kids was easy, or that I thought that I could do it!!! What can be easy is SHUTTING your mouth when it comes to personal choices in government, sex, and personal values! If you don't like whiny parents and there children, then maybe you should choose a different profession, Smarty!

[dillonrosalind]

Oh please, give me a break. When I do become a teacher I will not take crap off of parents like you!

[envirobog]

So are you a teacher or not??? Seems you can't make up your mind. Exactly what do you think your gonna do when a parent decides that they don't want you teaching their child your screwed up thoughts and ideas? For a teacher or gonna be a teacher or maybe some day will finish college or whatever it is that you think your gonna do, you should be able to come up with something better than this comment.

[envirobog]

A teaching job, is a public servants position, guess what that means... taken crap from parents like me! If not you will be wondering how secure your job is all the time, or witch parent is gonna come unraveled and flatten you. Maybe when you have some children of your own you'll stop being so childish!!! So, hey, good luck with that teaching career!

[ManchurianCandidate1]

dillonrosalind, you are exactly the kind of Communist garbage we DON'T need teaching (or indoctrinating) our children. If a school district is stupid enough to hire you, hopefully some thoughtful and caring parents will make sure your Communist ass is fired!

[dillonrosalind]

ManchurianCandidate, you are a day short and a dollar late. This discussion is old why are you just now jumping on the bandwagon. And why you talking about communism like its the 1960s. Gimme me a break! This has nothing to do with this lady. You just mad that Obama is president and your candidate lost. Get over it!

[ManchurianCandidate1]

dillon, with your lack of command of the English language, teaching is the LAST thing you should be thinking about. No place will hire you, except maybe Moscow, where Communists such as you are welcome. Good luck with your career, illiterate comrade!

[dillonrosalind]

First of all, I was in a hurry while writing because unlike I have I have a life. You are not angry about this woman. You are mad that a black man is president! I can tell because you are spewing the defeated Republican talking points. Good luck with that!

[ManchurianCandidate1]

Dillrod, you are an illiterate fool. I pity any child who is subjected to your moronic spewing of Democrat talking points. Do us all a favor and opt for restaurant work instead. Just practice saying, "Would you like fries with that?" and I'm sure you'll have a future. Better yet, move to Kenya and worship your Messiah from his native country. Or, you could just kill yourself, but I know I'm asking for a miracle with that one.

[dillonrosalind]

I am done with this subject matter and you may be continue to talk to yourself if you like. The fact remains is that Obama won!!!!!

[dillonrosalind]

I totally agree ddsharper. The majority of the people who are still commenting on this issue are a bunch of racists.