MINNEOLA, Fla. — A lesson on racism in one class at Minneola Elementary Charter School Tuesday left some Lake County parents upset.
The teacher divided the first-graders by eye color. Those with blue eyes got candy and hugs, while those with brown eyes received nothing.
Principal Sherry Watts said the teacher was not authorized to conduct an experimental lesson on race without her permission.
The teacher said she warned students they would not like the lesson.
"The experiment shouldn't have taken place at all. It's not appropriate for first grade," Watts said. "It was not in her lesson plans."
The lesson was taught following Martin Luther King Day after the teacher had her students watch a movie about the late civil rights leader. Students were then asked to write in their journal about his life.
Some parents said they have heard about a lesson like this before and don't have a problem with it.
"I don't personally see anything wrong with that because I think it needs to be learned," parent Melissa Allred said.
Other parents said they understood what the teacher was trying to do, but that the students are too young.
"I think the teacher probably meant, intended good for it, but the only problem with that is that the kids being so young and not understanding the point she was trying to bring across," parent Michael Ruffin said.
The teacher sent parents a letter explaining the experiment after the lesson, but Watts said parents should have known ahead of time so they could decide if they wanted their children to participate.
Since she works at a charter school, Lake County schools officials can not discipline her. They said if she were in their district she would be sanctioned, but don't believe the teacher should be let go.
The school is trying to decide a punishment for the teacher.
WFTV
