Florida Teacher Racism Allegation Sparks District Investigation After Birthday Song

A Florida mother has accused her son’s teacher of racism after a classroom birthday celebration. The incident occurred at Floral Avenue Elementary School in Bartow. A teacher filmed the class singing a version of “Happy Birthday” that included the word “monkey.”

The Polk County Public Schools district has now launched a formal review. According to The Ledger, the mother, Desarae Prather, says her six-year-old son was humiliated. She posted the video online, where it quickly gained widespread attention.

Details of the Florida Teacher Racism Allegation

The controversial video lasts 43 seconds. It shows the teacher asking the boy if he wants to hear the “funny version” of the birthday song. After he nods, she leads the class in singing altered lyrics.

The lyrics were: “Happy birthday to you. You live in the zoo. You look like a monkey, and you smell like one too.” The teacher can be heard laughing at the end of the song. She then instructs the other students to clap for the boy.

Desarae Prather told reporters she was shocked. She stated that her son, Legend, now refuses to return to school. The boy fears other children will call him a “monkey.”

School District Response and Family’s Demands

Polk County Public Schools responded to the growing controversy. The district released an official statement on social media. They confirmed the incident is under review by both the district and its human resources department.

Prather says she has not yet been contacted by the district directly. She is calling for specific actions from the school system. Her demands include the termination of the teacher involved.

She also wants a formal, written apology for her family. Prather believes her son may be traumatized for life. She is now seeking counseling for the child to help him cope with the incident.

This Florida teacher racism allegation highlights ongoing concerns about racial sensitivity in educational settings. The district’s final decision is now awaited by the community and the affected family.

Thought you’d like to know

What exactly happened in the Florida classroom?

A teacher recorded a video of a six-year-old’s birthday celebration. She led the class in singing a version of “Happy Birthday” that included lyrics comparing the boy to a monkey. The video was later shared online by the child’s mother.

How has the school district responded?

Polk County Public Schools has confirmed the incident is under official review. The district and its human resources department are both involved in the investigation. A public statement was released on social media platforms.

What does the child’s mother want to happen?

Desarae Prather is demanding the teacher be fired from her position. She has also requested a formal, written apology directed to her son and the entire family. She believes the teacher’s actions were unacceptable and racially motivated.

How is the child doing after the incident?

The boy, named Legend, is reportedly traumatized. His mother says he has been crying and does not want to return to school. The family is now seeking professional counseling for him to address the emotional distress.

Where did this incident take place?

The event occurred at Floral Avenue Elementary School. This school is located in the city of Bartow, Florida. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Polk County Public Schools district.