Teacher Who Used Book On Racism Returns To Classroom

LINCOLNDALE, NY — The Somers High School teacher who used a book on combatting racism in her classroom was allowed to return to work Monday.

Superintendent Raymond Blanch said some students in Allison Ferrier’s 10th grade class were upset by the use of Layla Saad’s book “Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor” earlier in the month.

The book is described by the author as a way for readers to understand their own white privilege and participation in white supremacy, and in turn, stop inflicting damage on people of color and help other white people do better.

Some students in the class messaged their parents who then contacted school officials.

Blanch said the district was unaware that the book was being used in a classroom and began an investigation.

In a letter to the community Thursday, Blanch said the book will not be used as part of the English 10 curriculum.

He said the English department was not specifically prohibited from using the book after it had been removed from the summer reading list in June 2021.

Blanch said the district was “grappling with how to have conversations around sensitive and/or controversial topics. Listening to each other and appreciating different experiences and perspectives is the foundation of how we embrace diversity, equity and inclusion in our school community.”

He said the goal of the district is to prepare the students to be global citizens equipped to live in a diverse world.

“In order to accomplish this, we must support our teachers by preparing them to facilitate what may often be difficult conversations,” Blanch said.

He said Ferrier, who has worked in the district for 25 years, has had a positive impact on countless students.

“She looks forward to her return to the classroom, as do we, and we will be partnering with her to ensure a smooth transition,” Blanch said.