NY Teacher Fired for Racist ‘Cotton-Picking Hands’ Remark to Student

A substitute teacher at Richard O’Rourke Middle School in Burnt Hills, New York, was removed from the district’s roster after making a racist remark to an eighth-grade student on February 10, according to a statement released by the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School District.

The remark, captured in a now-viral video taken by another student, occurred while a student was recording a video journal for a class assignment. In the background of the recording, the substitute teacher can be heard saying, “Keep your cotton-picking hands to yourself,” directed toward a Black student, according to reports from WNYT and WBLS.

The Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School District became aware of the incident the day after it occurred and immediately launched an investigation. “Upon learning of the situation, district staff immediately launched an investigation. Based on our findings, the substitute teacher was immediately removed from the district’s substitute teacher roster,” a district spokesperson stated, according to CBS6 Albany.

Richard O’Rourke Middle School Principal met with all students present during the incident, as well as their parents, on Thursday, February 12, according to multiple reports. The district’s statement affirmed its commitment to a respectful and safe learning environment, stating it “will not accept racist comments or actions” and is “dedicated to ensuring dignity for all in its schools.”

The incident took place in a suburban community approximately 30 miles north of Albany, in Saratoga County, New York, according to Atlanta Black Star. The district has not publicly identified the substitute teacher.