Principal uses slur while reprimanding student’s ‘offensive language,’ GA video shows
The principal of a Georgia high school has apologized after he used a racial slur during a meeting with a student, according to Forsyth County Schools.
East Forsyth High School Principal Jeff Cheney uttered the slur Friday, Sept. 9, while he and two other staff members were reprimanding a student, who is white, over their “continued use of offensive language,” the district told McClatchy News in a statement.
“The goal of the meeting was for the student to understand that we must all be sensitive and respectful to others,” officials said, adding that the student secretly recorded the conversation and shared a portion of it online.
“So, what am I calling you that’s so bad?” the student asks, according to the video. (Warning: The linked video contains offensive language.)
“Cracker,” Cheney responds. He went on to say that the word “is slang for white and is the antonym for (expletive), which is a very offensive comment. And so it’s like almost saying that to a white person.”
The principal contacted district officials and later met with the student’s parents to apologize for his comments, the statement said. A school spokesperson said Cheney did not report to work Tuesday, Sept. 13, or the day prior.
It’s unclear if he will face disciplinary action.
“Forsyth County Schools believes that at no time and in no context should any variation of the (racial slur) be used,” district officials said. “Students and adults make mistakes; Forsyth County School believes that we all can learn from our mistakes.”
Gainesville is about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta.
This story was originally published September 13, 2022 at 12:52 PM with the headline "Principal uses slur while reprimanding student’s ‘offensive language,’ GA video shows."