A classroom incident in Florida has ignited public fury after a white teacher was filmed addressing her 6-year-old Black pupil with monkey references during a birthday celebration.
The video, which quickly circulated online, shows the teacher leading a rendition of “Happy Birthday” that included lines such as “you live in the zoo” and calling the child a “monkey.”
The child sits visibly uncomfortable while classmates join in the rendition. The teacher reportedly asked whether the student wanted the “funny version” before proceeding with the altered lyrics.
“Ok, it goes like this,” the woman said before snapping her fingers and launching into a jazzy solo version of the bizarre tune.
“Happy Birthday to you. You live in the zoo. You look like a monkey, and you smell like one too,” the teacher sang, giggling at the end, and telling students to clap for the boy.
Parents and viewers have condemned the incident as racially insensitive and harmful.
In response, the child’s mother has demanded a formal apology and disciplinary action, saying her son is now afraid to return to school. The school district has said it is reviewing the teacher’s conduct through human resources channels.
“I shouldn’t have to wake up every day to see that my son feels this way.”
Polk County Public School officials shared a statement on social media Tuesday after the video went viral, noting that the district and human resources are reviewing the footage and teacher’s conduct.
The enraged mom, who hasn’t received a call from the school district since her complaint, is now calling for the teacher’s firing and a written apology, the outlet reported.
The case has reignited debate over racial bias in classrooms and the emotional impact of derogatory language on young pupils, with many calling for stricter oversight and sensitivity training for educators.
