Shepherd Elementary staff member uses N-word in front of students

WASHINGTON - A letter was sent home to Shepherd Elementary families in regard to a racist incident where a staff member said the N-word. 

According to the assistant principal, an "isolated racist incident" occurred among fourth-grade students. 

During a discussion on racism and discrimination, students were asked to separate into groups by race and a staff member used the unabbreviated N-word. 

"I want to apologize for this unacceptable conversation. Students should never be asked to segregate by race or hear racist terminology used within the safety of our school building," said Shamayne Coles, Assistant Principal, Shepherd Elementary School. 

The issue, several parents told FOX 5, was also addressed by school staff at a back-to-school event Thursday. 

Some parents expressed concern, while others sought more information. 

Sanjay Singh has a son in fourth grade at Shepherd Elementary School. 

With more than 20 years of experience as a school administrator and educator, Singh said he understands why some details cannot be released by school officials at this time.

"I think the school and the district are enacting that process. As a parent, sometimes it’s hard to understand that," he said. 

Though it can be difficult, he said parents and students should have open communication about race.

"They’re fourth graders, so there’s a level of innocence you don’t want to break, but this is the reality we are in. I would just tell parents to have an honest conversation with their children," he added. "Protect them as best as possible, but protecting them is also not hiding the ball."

The school reported the incident to the district’s CARE team.

CARE, according to DCPS, is responsible for receiving claims of discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying, or any unfair treatment a student, parent, or visitor encounters at a D.C. public school.

"The CARE team collaborates with school staff to resolve issues in a timely, equitable, and comprehensive manner," according to DCPS.

A district spokesperson said DCPS cannot comment on personnel matters.

The staff member involved has not been named, and the school did not specify further details of the incident.

Read the full letter sent to Shepherd Elementary School families below: