Book On White Privilege Pulled From Somers Classroom

LINCOLNDALE, NY — A lesson on racism in a 10th grade class at Somers High School was halted after complaints from parents.

In a class, a teacher was using excerpts from “Me and White Supremacy,” a book by Layla Saad.

The book is described by the author as a journey for readers to understand and journal “their white privilege and participation in white supremacy, so that they can stop (often unconsciously) inflicting damage on black, indigenous and people of color, and in turn, help other white people do better, too.”

Some students sent their parents messages about the lesson, according to News 12, and the parents contacted Somers Superintendent Dr. Raymond Blanch.

Blanch sent a letter to district families, a copy of which was given to Patch, on Tuesday that said the district was not aware that the lesson was being taught or that excerpts were being used.

“We immediately began an investigation to determine how the text made it into the classroom,” he said in the letter.

“This material is not appropriate for use in our classrooms,” Blanch said, “and it is not in alignment with the district’s instructional policies.”

He said the high school staff will follow up with the students who were in the class for the lesson to “ensure that they are properly supported.”

Blanch said the district will also be reminding the faculty of the Board of Education’s policy as it relates to curriculum and classroom instruction.

“We are committed to ensuring that our classrooms are welcoming, balanced environments where all students are able to thrive,” he said.