Teacher Retains Job After Birthday Song Controversy, Faces Reprimand for Video
An elementary school teacher will continue to work in the classroom despite a recent controversy. The situation arose when the teacher, Kimberly Langston, sang a birthday song to a student, which led to an investigation by the school district.
Polk County Schools conducted a thorough review of the incident and found no evidence that Langston intended to cause harm. However, the version of the song that was sung is considered offensive and racially insensitive by the child’s parent.
The investigation involved interviews with multiple students and the teacher herself. According to the report, Langston has been using what she refers to as a “silly version” of the “Happy Birthday” song for students of various races. While the district acknowledges that intent does not eliminate the impact of words, it concluded that the song did not target the specific student in question.
In addition to this incident, the investigation revealed that Langston received a written reprimand for violating several policies related to student safety and welfare. She had shared student images without parental consent, which breached guidelines on staff technology use and student records.
The report also included information about other videos where Langston sang the song to students. In her written statement, Langston mentioned that she has been singing this version of the “Happy Birthday” song for 22 years. Despite this long-standing practice, Polk County Public Schools has decided that she will no longer be allowed to sing this song or film students moving forward.
PCPS issued a statement to 10 Tampa Bay News, stating:
“PCPS has conducted a thorough and careful review of this incident. That review, which included statements from students and staff, found that while the teacher did sing an alternate version of the ‘Happy Birthday’ song, there is no evidence to support or suggest that the teacher acted with any ill intent, or in an effort to offend or disparage the student, or any group,” the statement reads. “Our investigation concluded that this has been a longstanding practice in the teacher’s classroom, where videos of the class singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to their classmates were shared with parents.”
“However, we clearly recognize that words and actions can be perceived differently, and intent does not erase impact. As public school educators we have a responsibility to be mindful that we serve families of all races, cultures, and backgrounds — and to ensure that every student feels respected, valued and welcome in our schools at all times,” the statement added.
“PCPS will be providing guidance and training to reinforce professionalism, ensuring that all staff are equipped to create respectful learning environments for every student,” PCPS said in its statement.
10 Tampa Bay News is currently waiting for confirmation on whether the district plans to meet with the student’s mother to discuss the findings.
The family’s attorney, Terrill Hill, stated that they plan to send a notice of intent to sue the district.
“Because we say it’s a song and it’s gone on forever — that doesn’t justify it in today’s times,” Hill said. “That’s where the issue comes in. If we say those harmful words to anyone, especially in the workplace, we’d be sanctioned. Instead, we find a district that tries to justify it,” the attorney added.
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