by Bartow, FL – A disturbing incident at Floral Avenue Elementary School in Bartow has ignited outrage after a mother accused her son’s teacher of racism for singing an offensive birthday song. The 6-year-old Black student, Legend, was sung an alternate version of the “Happy Birthday” song that included the lyrics “You look like a monkey,” sparking national attention and calls for accountability.
Desarae Prather, the boy’s mother, received a video from the teacher showing classmates singing two versions of the birthday song. The second rendition included the troubling lyrics, which deeply upset Prather and her son.
The Incident and Immediate Reactions
The video, lasting 43 seconds, shows the teacher leading the traditional birthday song before asking Legend if he wants to hear “the funny version.” Upon his agreement, she sings:
“Happy Birthday to you. You live in the zoo. You look like a monkey, and you smell like one too.”
The teacher is seen snapping her fingers and giggling, encouraging the class to clap for the young boy. Prather told The Ledger and ABC10 that she was shocked and appalled, stating, “I couldn’t believe it” and emphasizing that such behavior is far from funny or acceptable.
Impact on the Child and Mother’s Response
Prather revealed her son is now too scared to return to school, fearing bullying or further humiliation. She described her son’s distress, saying he has been crying and unwilling to go back to the teacher’s class or the school itself.
- Prather called the teacher’s actions racist and humiliating her son in front of peers.
- She stated her son requires counseling to cope with the emotional trauma.
- The mother demands the teacher write an apology and be fired for her unacceptable conduct.
“No child should have to go to school and feel like they can’t confide in an authority figure without them calling them racial slurs,” said Prather.
School District and Community Response
Polk County Public Schools issued a statement indicating that they are reviewing the video and the teacher’s conduct. The teacher involved has not been publicly identified.
The incident has garnered widespread attention, with Prather sharing the video on social media and pressing for more decisive action from the school district. According to The New York Post, no formal communication had been received from the district by the mother after her complaint.
Looking Forward: Calls for Accountability and Healing
The incident raises urgent questions about racial sensitivity training and oversight in schools to ensure a safe environment for all students. Experts emphasize:
- The importance of education professionals understanding racial implications of their actions.
- Prompt and transparent responses from school districts to similar complaints.
Desarae Prather demands accountability, urging the teacher to “own up to her actions” and provide a sincere apology to her son and family.
“This is going worldwide,” Prather said, highlighting the broader conversations on race, respect, and student safety that this incident has sparked.
Read Also: Government Website Accused of Hatch Act Violation for Blaming Shutdown on ‘Radical Left’
Your Voice Matters
What do you think about this troubling event and the school’s response? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let’s work together to promote a respectful and inclusive environment for every child.
