Video of Riverside Teacher Dancing in Mock Native American Headdress Leads to Her Suspension
The video, evidently recorded by a student of Native American descent, captured the masked instructor from North High School wearing head feathers, chanting and moving around her desk as if in the middle of a war dance or some other ritual.
By City News Service and Staff Reports • Published 3 hours ago • Updated 3 hours ago
A Riverside Unified School District math teacher was on suspension Thursday following social media posts from her classroom showing her performing as if she were engaged in a Native American war dance.
"These behaviors are completely unacceptable and an offensive depiction of the vast and expansive Native American cultures and practices,'' according to an RUSD statement. "Her actions do not represent the values of our district ... The Riverside Unified School District values diversity, equity and inclusion, and does not condone behavior against these values.
"We are deeply committed to implementing inclusive practices and policies that honor the rich diversity of our district and the greater region. We will be working with our students, families, staff and community to regain your trust,'' the statement concluded.
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The video, evidently recorded by a student of Native American descent, captured the masked instructor from North High School wearing head feathers, chanting and moving around her desk as if in the middle of a war dance or some other ritual, which was not identified in the video.
Published reports indicated the teacher has worked at North for over a decade, but RUSD has not confirmed that information, nor her identity.
Some students chuckled during the episode, according to the video.
The reasons for the instructor's behavior and how they might have related to the lesson plan were unclear.
NBCLA attempted to contact the teacher but did not receive a response.
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The video clips were circulated widely via social media and came to the attention of RUSD administrators Wednesday.
The teacher was placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation, according to the school district.
Protesters marched outside the high school Thursday after the video began to circulate, saying they wanted the teacher to be fired.
Assembly members Sabrina Cervantes, D-Corona, Jose Medina, D-Riverside, and James Ramos, D-Highland, issued a collective statement expressing condemnation of what transpired.
"It is damaging and disheartening to see Native American and indigenous culture represented in such a trite and insensitive way,'' according to the legislators. "However, this is not an isolated incident, as such teaching practices have been used across the nation. It is time that we stop this behavior. We need to ensure that students learn about themselves in positive, accurate, and appropriate ways.''
