Verbal abuse claim probed

By Doug Russell
News Editor

— McAlester school officials are looking into allegations that a teacher and coach have been verbally abusing students and using offensive language.
Superintendent Jim Northcutt confirmed Thursday morning that the school was investigating allegations against the individual, but said no disciplinary action that resulted in a loss of pay or time off for the teacher has been imposed.
Paul Prichard asked Northcutt to explore the allegations.
Prichard is president of McPride, a group to provide help and support for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual community, as well as heterosexuals who do not care about the sexuality of others.
Prichard contacted Northcutt after students said the teacher had made comments such as “I hate gay men but lesbians are cool,” had called students offensive names and had called one male student a girl on several occasions. In addition, the teacher is alleged to have used curse words and other derogatory terms.
In an e-mail to Northcutt, Prichard wrote, “I do not believe this is what parents send their children to school to learn. I also do not think that parents would appreciate their children being bullied by a teacher.
“These kids have enough to deal with without having to put up with this type of ignorance.”
“I’ve had several of these kids come to me and tell me this kind of stuff is going on,” Prichard said.
Northcutt said it would be best if the students concerned go to him or other administration officials.
“Nothing came directly to me or any other administrator or teacher that I’m aware of,” Northcutt said of the allegations. “I’ve gotten information third-hand.”
Nonetheless, officials are still looking into the situation, since it’s against school policy to allow bullying in any form, whether from students or a teacher. It’s also against policy for people to use or be allowed to use inflammatory or derogatory language in most instances.
“We’re not going to tolerate intolerance,” Northcutt said. “We take it very seriously.”