Karen Whitmire Savage, Florida art teacher at Barrington Middle School hangs black doll in art class to get ‘student’s attention’ as episode caught on video and shared by parent, Nina Williams leads to outrage and calls for the teacher to be fired from the Hillsborough County Public School System.
A middle school teacher in Riverview, Florida was purportedly recorded by a student hanging a black doll during art class leading to outrage.
Karen Whitmire Savage, an educator at Barrington Middle School at Hillsborough County Public School System appears to hang a Black baby doll by its neck from a TV cord above the classroom television for students to see.
Florida arts teacher fired for hanging doll of black child
Hate and trauma weaponized during class
The episode according to the boy’s mother, led to the students questioning their teacher, calling her actions offensive and inappropriate. When asked why the doll had been hung that way, Karen Savage allegedly laughed and told the class she did it ‘to get their attention.’
Posted Nina Williams, whose son allegedly recorded the episode in the aftermath:
‘I raise my children to know right from wrong, and he knew this could not go unseen. I immediately headed to the school to pick him up and speak with admin!!’
Adding, ’This emotionally affected ALL the children in that classroom. My son’s friends of different cultures and races were all deeply offended and disturbed by this racist act. These kids stood united, grabbed evidence, and wrote official statements today.
‘This is NOT a classroom management tool. This is straight up hate and trauma being weaponized in front of our children in a place where they are supposed to be safe.’
‘Being an art teacher is my gift and passion’
Stated Williams in a blog post, trollalley, ‘Will they protect our children, or will they protect a teacher who simulates a lynching in a classroom? This will NOT be swept under the rug!! Share this everywhere!! Our community needs to see exactly what our kids are dealing with, all While trying to get an education from people that we believe care about our future our children.’
Reads a social media account belonging to Savage: ‘Being an art teacher is my gift and passion. I have 4 beautiful daughters, plus my stepchildren and grands. My love is husband, John. God is Great.’
The alleged incident has since been brought to the attention of school officials, with Savage at present continuing to remain employed by the school system.
