UPDATE: Bibb County teacher resigns after using racial slur in classroom

UPDATE (4/17): A Rutland Middle School teacher has resigned after an investigation found she used a racial slur during a classroom discussion, according to a statement provided by the Bibb County School District on Thursday.

The district says the incident happened on April 10, when the teacher, identified as Elizabeth Finch, was photographed using racially insensitive language during a lesson. The Bibb County School District’s Human Resources Department investigated the matter and concluded Finch violated core district principles.

“Today, Bibb County School District met with Ms. Finch and informed her of intention to immediately proceed with her termination,” the district said in a statement. “The District does not tolerate racially offensive language toward our students and/or staff and expects all our teachers and staff to speak with each other in kindness and with respect.”

Finch submitted her resignation effective immediately. The district says her employment status will be marked as “resignation in lieu of termination, ineligible for rehire.” The district also reported her conduct to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for a possible ethics violation.

In a letter sent to Finch and provided to media, Superintendent Dr. Dan Sims wrote, “On April 10, you wrote a racial slur on the panel in your classroom and began a discussion about the use of a racially offensive word. While you assert that you did this in an effort to have a teachable moment to address a student’s question about cultural differences, your decision was grossly inappropriate.”

Here’s the full district statement released on Thursday:

“On Friday, the Bibb County School District released a message to Rutland Middle School parents notifying them the District had begun an investigation into a classroom incident in which a Rutland Middle School teacher was photographed using racially insensitive language during a lesson on April 10. The District’s Human Resources Department has concluded its investigation into the incident involving the teacher, Elizabeth Finch. Today, Bibb County School District met with Ms. Finch and informed her of intention to immediately proceed with her termination. The District does not tolerate racially offensive language toward our students and/or staff and expects all our teachers and staff to speak with each other in kindness and with respect. The investigation into this matter has convinced the District that Ms. Finch has violated the core principles of what is expected of our teachers and staff. In response to notice that the District was planning to terminate her employment, Ms. Finch submitted her resignation, effective immediately. Her employment status with the District will be marked “Resignation in Lieu of Termination, Ineligible for Rehire.” The District has also reported Ms. Finch’s conduct to the Professional Standards Commission for their investigation into violations of the Code of Ethics for Educators.”

The letter from Dr. Dan Sims to Finch can be read below:

UPDATE (4/11): The Macon-Bibb NAACP Branch released a statement Friday about the incident at Rutland Middle School, calling it “heartbreaking” and “not acceptable.”

Here’s the full statement:

“It has been brought to the Macon Bibb NAACP’s attention that a Rutland Middle School teacher used racial language during a classroom setting that was inappropriate, that has gone viral on social media, after investigating and confirming that this incident did indeed happen in our Bibb County County School District.

Dr. Sims the Bibb County superintendent has assured the Macon Bibb NAACP that the incident is already being investigated and appropriate action will line up with their policies. The Macon Bibb NAACP will allow the investigation process to take place before moving forward with any direct action.

The Macon Bibb NAACP will in no way tolerate our children to be treated in any way that demonstrates racial injustices. We will protect our children’s education by all means necessary. In seeing a teacher write such inappropriate language, someone that we trust our children with, is heartbreaking and not acceptable. We will monitor this situation as we are in hope that the right decision will be made.”

ORIGINAL STORY (4/10):

MACON, Georgia (41NBC\WMGT) – The Bibb County School District is investigating an incident at Rutland Middle School where a teacher used racially insensitive language during a classroom lesson.

The Bibb County School District has confirmed that a teacher at Rutland Middle School used racially insensitive language during a classroom lesson. In a message sent to families through the Remind app, and shared with 41NBC on Friday, district officials acknowledged the incident and said the language used was inappropriate and does not align with the district’s values or expectations.

Here’s the full message sent to parents:

“The Bibb County School District is aware of a classroom incident in which a Rutland Middle School teacher used racially insensitive language during a lesson. We want to be clear: This language was inappropriate and does not reflect the values of our District or the expectations we hold for our educators. The District’s Human Resources Department is actively investigating the matter and will take appropriate action in line with our policies.

At the center of everything we do are our students—their safety, their well-being, and their success. Our mission is to maximize student achievement and social-emotional well-being by building a sense of community in safe, equitable learning environments. That means creating classrooms where every child feels seen, respected, and valued, regardless of their race, background, or identity.

If students, staff, or families have any additional concerns, we encourage you to reach out to your school’s administration. Counseling services will also be available to provide support to any students and staff as needed. 

The District’s Human Resources Department has launched an active investigation into the matter and says it will take appropriate action in line with school policies.”

We will provide updates as more information becomes available.