PERRYSBURG, Ohio — A Perrysburg Schools employee has resigned during an investigation into an alleged incident of racism directed at a student on a school bus.
Two students reported the incident to a Perrysburg Junior High School official Friday night, after the alleged exchange took place on a bus that afternoon.
In a cellphone video obtained by WTOL 11, students are mid-conversation. A voice that sounds like an adult male is heard off-camera saying something covered up by other voices, with "Spanish" among the words said.
One of the students pauses after the man speaks and says "huh?" and at that point, the man is heard clearly as he asks if the student is from Mexico.
The student is twice asked if they are from Mexico and responds "yes" both times.
The man follows by saying, "Then shouldn't you be in a cage somewhere in Texas?"
The student then laughs and says "that's racist," while pointing at the man off-camera.
Neither the student nor the man appear on camera in the cellphone video of the alleged incident, but in a statement sent Monday, district officials confirmed that the man was an employee of Perrysburg Schools and an investigation was opened immediately.
The employee was placed on paid leave during the district's investigation, according to the statement. The offense is referred to as "very serious" and that it "may warrant disciplinary action up to and including termination."
The unnamed employee resigned Tuesday, according to Perrysburg Schools Superintendent Tom Hosler.
“As a school community, we must continue to strive to create an environment that is welcoming for all students. In this case, our efforts fell short,” stated Hosler on Monday. “This behavior is unacceptable and we must and will do better. We commend the students who reported the information that led to this investigation. They are embodying the Jacket Way, by demonstrating that they are respectful, responsible and ready. Our hearts are saddened knowing that these words hurt this student and others.”
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