After banning teachers from teaching Black History lesson, a New York City principal is now under investigation. Parents and educators have gathered at the school which comprises of 95% Black and Hispanic Students to demand that the principal be terminated.
Natasha Capers, coordinator of NYC Coalition for Educational Justice said, “A black teacher was told she could not continue her Black History Month lesson. She was told that was not her subject area. She was told that is a social studies subject. We all know that black history is a part of every subject.”
A friend of the principal said in a statement that Patricia Catania was being misunderstood and said, “I’ve known her for over 20 years. I worked with her at another school. I do know her, and I can say she’s a wonderful human being. They have an agenda. This is wrong.”
According to the Education Department spokesman, Douglas Cohen, the investigation is on-going. Meanwhile, the school will continue teaching Black History lessons. Cohen said, “African-American history is an important part of the school’s curriculum. Students are currently working on projects related to Black History Month that will be presented and highlighted at the end of February.”