DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – Dallas ISD is condemning an assignment it says was given to students by a high school English teacher.
The W.T. High School English assignment asks students to write essays on the topic “Hero of the modern Age.” Students were required to write half a page about six designated public figures. Alleged Kenosha, Wisconsin teenage shooter Kyle Rittenhouse, one of his victims, George Floyd, and others involved in racial movements were on the list.
DISD has opened an investigation and says the “unapproved assignment” posted in Google Classroom has been taken down and students don’t have to finish it.
“Understandably, this caused some concern for the impacted students, and we apologize,” the district said in a statement. “Campus administration immediately removed the unapproved content and students are not required to complete that assignment. Due to personnel policies, we are not able to comment further, however, the appropriate steps are being followed pending investigation.”
The assignment drew backlash on social media.
Paul Ford is an English teacher at WT White School in #Dallas ISD. This is an actual assignment – giving students an opportunity to write an essay about how Kenosha murderer Kyle Rittenhouse is a “hero.” APPALLING AND UNACCEPTABLE. #ShareAndShame pic.twitter.com/UY0LawtNf0
— Sema (@_SemaHernandez_) September 16, 2020
According to the school district, racial equity is a top priority in Dallas ISD, and it remains committed to providing a robust teaching environment where all students can learn.
Listen to Clayton Neville’s story below:
