A Brentwood middle school teacher accused of racism is to return to class Thursday morning following protests from pupils and parents who came to his defense.
Steven Carnine was not allowed to teach at Paul Revere Charter Middle School and Magnet Center after claims were made against him by the parent of a mixed-race eighth grader in a lawsuit filed against the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Administrators notified parents of the decision Wednesday, which follows an internal investigation into his conduct.
"The review has concluded, and any and all administrative action has been taken," stated the email from Principal Christopher Perdigao.
In the parent's lawsuit he was accused of using the N-word during a lesson about the Civil War, making disparaging comments about black people and denigrating Michael Brown, the black teenager whose fatal shooting by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri sparked nationwide protests.
However dozens of students and parents came to his defense, saying he was only making a point about stereotypes and not voicing his own personal beliefs.
They rallied in support of Carnine Monday morning, describing him as a dedicated teacher who celebrated Martin Luther King Day and Hannukah.
News
Top news of the day
"I had him as my sixth grade History and English teacher and the whole time I had him he was not racist at all," student Jamie Mazur said. "He was probably the best teacher I've ever had."
Parents echoed her sentiments.
"It's very hurtful and they're very, very upset and they know he would never say anything like that and I feel he was unjustly accused," said Kelly Aluise
