School Administrator Apologizes For Saying 'N Word'

SUDBURY, MA—An administrator with the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School has issued an apology after meeting with a group of students on Friday to discuss the fact that the "n word" has been used more frequently among the students at the school. The administrator's intent was to say the full word to plainly address the issue: some students didn't see it that way, and were offended.

Based on a letter sent to the school community from Superintendent and Principal Bella Wong, the meeting was held with a small group of students about signs they had posted to educate the community about the use of the "n word."

Toward the end of the respectful meeting, said Wong, the administrator used the "n word" to summarize the conversation they had and how words carry negative historical weight.

"This is because utterance of such words has such a profound negative impact on members of the community sense of belonging and safety," wrote Wong. "The students in the room were shocked and extremely hurt to hear the full word spoken aloud, especially by an administrator. The hurt they felt was exacerbated by the fact they had just had a conversation on this point. The administrator’s intent was to be speaking more plainly. But that assumption was a mistake."

The administrator reportedly apologized directly to the students, and contacted the students' families to also apologize, and also notified Wong and other staff members of the incident. The students involved discussed the incident with staff members, and a formal meeting was held. Wong wrote that the administrator apologized again at that point.

"Again, I write this email to inform you of this incident, and also to ask for your help," wrote Wong. "The original conversation came about because on Thursday it came to the attention of administration that some of our students who are not black have begun to say the 'n...word' by using it in conversations with a long 'a..' sound at the end, or by singing along to songs that contain it. While these uses of the 'n. . .word' are not directed at other people, they are still hurtful when said by people who have not experienced the particularly pernicious and powerful form of racism which that word represents."

Wong wrote that because the word is used in songs and videos, it's a complex topic for some of the students.

"We will be working on this issue as a school community in the months ahead," she wrote. I encourage you to talk together as families about your thoughts and values concerning the use of this word."

Photo via town of Sudbury