A Fairfax County teacher accused of racially insensitive behavior has been placed on paid administrative leave, her lawyer said Tuesday, while the school system’s Office of Equity and Compliance investigates.
Marilyn Bart, an English teacher at George C. Marshall High School, allegedly singled out African American student Jordan Shumate more than once because of his race — including by telling him to read a Langston Hughes poem “blacker.”
Schools spokesman John Torre said an equity-office inquiry is standard procedure in case of such allegations.
Bill Reichhardt, a lawyer representing Bart, said she requested the scrutiny and intends to fully cooperate. “We’re anxious to examine the facts in an orderly and thorough manner, as quickly as possible,” Reichhardt said. He declined to elaborate on the case.
