Virginia school apologizes for "culturally insensitive" lesson during Black History Month

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As part of Black History Month, students in Grades 3 to 5 of the Madison & # 39; s Elementary Trust in Brambleton participated in an activity on the Underground Railroad that asked them to overcome a physical obstacle, announced the school district.

According to the Loudoun Times-Mirror, groups of students posing as runaway slaves crossed an obstacle course depicting the Underground Railroad. An African-American student was reportedly slaved for the activity, said Loudoun NAAPP President Michelle Thomas, who said she had received several complaints from parents.

The Underground Railroad was a clandestine network of safe houses and people in the United States that helped fugitive slaves escape and escape.

The classroom activity was held at the beginning of the month and was intended to encourage students to work in teams and to overcome obstacles, including moving between stations on a scooter without touching the ground or moving around. in hoops without overthrowing them, according to the spokesperson. Wayde Byard of Loudoun County Public Schools.

"The lesson was culturally insensitive to our students and our families … My sincere apologies to our students and the school community," said Director David Stewart in a statement. "This goes against our overall goals of empathy, affirmation and creating a culturally appropriate learning environment for all."

The content will be taken back to class in "an appropriate and respectful context," he said.

Janet DiGiacomo from CNN contributed to this report

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