CYPRESS – A Montessori school in Cypress is under scrutiny after a racial slur was included in a newsletter sent to over 150 families. The school leader has issued an apology, but some parents feel that more needs to be done to address the issue.
The newsletter from Lycee Montessori School initially appeared normal when it was delivered to inboxes on Sunday. However, upon receiving an apology email from the school, parents took a closer look and discovered the offensive language.
“It’s one of those things like you’re trying to make sense of it, but then you realize, ‘Okay, this is not something that’s going to make sense',” Jenet Dove, a parent who received the newsletter, said.
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The newsletter, which began with a Valentine’s Day greeting, took a turn on page three with the inclusion of the slur.
“Sometimes just spending that quality academic time with your child one on one in the comfort of your home can be equal to if not greater than the academic authorization of a real n**** b****,” the paragraph read, when discussing reading with your child at home.
Dove, whose four-year-old daughter attends the school, was appalled by the content.
“This is egregious,” she said. “From my child’s school, of all places, I mean ... I want my child’s school to be a safe haven."
The director of Lycee Montessori School assured KPRC 2 that the offensive language is not condoned and expressed uncertainty about how it was included in the publication sent to the families.
The director also told Dove that password security measures have been tightened around the accounts used to create and send the newsletter.
“The bigger issue here is that there’s someone on your staff who deemed it appropriate to access the document, put in that language and then send it out to your constituents,” Dove said. “The idea that I’m supposed to send my child to this school again with someone who has this type of language on their hearts and in their minds ... I can’t do that."
She also noted the timing of the incident, occurring at the start of Black History Month, and expressed her discomfort in sending her daughter back to the school.
“This is not a problem we asked for. This is a problem that we’re having to respond to,” Dove said.
The school director mentioned that the newsletter has been distributed monthly for eight years without any previous issues. They added that if the person responsible for this incident is identified, they will be terminated.
Read the school’s full statement:
“We are deeply saddened and disheartened by the recent newsletter that was sent out containing inappropriate verbiage as our school is built on the values of diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all. This language does not reflect who we are as a community. Immediately upon awareness of this disrespectful phrase being distributed, a sincere acknowledgement and apology letter was sent to all recipients.
At this time, we do not know how or why this occurred, but we are taking this matter very seriously. It is deeply upsetting to think that someone would seek to undermine the principles for which our school stands.
We are beyond sincerely apologetic for any harm or discomfort this may have caused our students, families, and staff. Our commitment to fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment remains unwavering."