Dallas elementary school social studies teacher is suspended for alleged racist remarks

Jet, Nov 13, 1995

A White Dallas elementary school teacher was suspended after allegedly making racist remarks during a class discussion of The Million Man March.

Students of Umphrey Elementary School social studies teacher Deen Williamson, 51, said the remarks were directed at Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan, the march and Blacks in general.

"She was talking about how Farrakhan was a racist," said Keith Foster, 12, "and about how Black kids need to go back to Africa where they belong. She said it was hard for Black kids to get into college and we should go home and tell our Parents we were stupid."

Teachers at the school, which is 97.5 percent Black, said they heard WiIliamson shouting at the students throughout the period the class was in session.

Clarence Glover, administrator of cultural affairs for the school system, said the accusations "will not be taken lightly."

Robby Collins, a special assistant to the school superintendent, said the suspension did not imply any opinion on the part of the district concerning validity of the charges against Williamson. He said possible outcomes range from clearing her of the charges to firing her.

On the advice of her attorney Richard Arnett, Williamson declined to comment on the case. But Arnett said she denied making any of the remarks.

"She did not say anything like that, she would not say anything like that," he said. "She enjoys working with minority kids."

Students are not wavering in their claims against Williamson.

"I really don't have anything against her," said 10-year-old Jade Singleton. "My friend was talking about The Million Man March and (the teacher) started getting mad."