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School Librarian Accused of Racial SlurA Modesto, California, school librarian has returned to work following eight days of paid leave after being accused by a 15-year old Johansen High School sophomore of using a racial slur. Rachel Moore, a straight-A-average African-American student, alleged that librarian Imogene Engebretsen called her a “stupid nigger” about a month ago in a library reference room while her English class worked on a research project. According to the April 19 Modesto Bee, Engebretsen, who is white, declined comment, saying the school district asked her not to discuss the matter. District officials would not comment on personnel matters. Teachers association Executive Director Barney Hale told the Bee, “The teacher has maintained all along that she didn’t use the word.” Not satisfied with the district’s response to the matter, Moore and her parents brought the allegation to the city board of education, which is now rethinking its tolerance policy. Moore also has the backing of the Modesto-Stanislaus NAACP. “That happened in my days,” Antonia Phillips, Moore’s grandmother and legal guardian told the Bee. “I thought people had put that behind them.” Posted April 23, 2001. |
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