SOUTHBOROUGH, MA — The superintendent of a Massachusetts school issued an apology Wednesday after what he said were two instances of culturally insensitive lessons covering slavery over the past couple of months.

Both incidents occurred at a Southborough public school and involved the same fifth-grade teacher, according to Superintendent Gregory L. Martineau.

The first incident happened in January during a lesson on the economy of southern colonies, which included slavery, Martineau said. While lecturing about the triangle trade, the teacher held an “impromptu mock slave auction” during which they asked two students of color to stand up and discusssed “physical attributes” including teeth, he added.

The second occurred in April, when the same teacher used the ‘N-word’ while reading and discussing a book, even though the book was not in the cirriculum and the word did not appear in the book, according to Martineau.

“Holding a mock slave auction is unacceptable and violates the district’s core values, and simulations or role plays when teaching about historical atrocities or trauma are not appropriate,” Martineau said, in part, Wednesday.

He added: “Dehumanizing words such as slurs should not be spoken by employees or students. Using such words can harm students and negatively impact an open discussion on a particular topic.”

Afterward, the parents of students in that class were given the opportunity to meet with the educator and the principal to learn about the two incidents, with a goal of transparency, according to Martineau.

“The next day, the educator inappropriately called out the student who had reported the educator’s use of the racial slur, which is not acceptable,” Martineau said.

At that point, the district began a formal investigation and the teacher as well as the principal were was placed on paid administrative leave, according to Martineau.

“I apologize for the events that took place in The Public Schools of Southborough,” he said. “I acknowledge that there were missteps in this process that further complicated the situation. Ultimately, I am responsible for ensuring students are in safe and supportive learning environments.”

According to Martineau, the district’s next steps will include the following:

• Continue partnerships, including MassInsight and Facing History in Ourselves.
• Expand partnerships with consultants with the knowledge and skills to help lead and strengthen the District’s work.
• Accelerate the professional development of all faculty and staff.
• Strengthen our internal reporting and investigatory procedures by conducting formal training for all school and District leaders.
• Partner with MassInsight to assess the District’s progress on the Equity Audit action plan.
• Work with families and students directly impacted to ensure a smooth transition to sixth grade.