A prominent Christian school in Nevada is facing criticism for some of its curriculum and school signage.
Recently, Faith Lutheran High School of Las Vegas removed a poster of civil rights activist Ruby Bridges from the school following complaints from parents. The poster contained the “N-word.”
According to The Christian Post, other books at the school also reportedly contained the racial slur.
"The N-word, no matter where it is used, is derogatory. It's racial abuse, and students should not have to come to a safe space, which is school, and see the N-word used in curriculum materials," said Kamilah Bywaters, president of the Las Vegas Alliance of Black School Educators, as quoted by KLAS.
"If a Black parent comes to you who has experienced, one, racism and has the historical connection to the trauma and violence of slavery, you should listen to that parent," Bywaters said.
"I think that the school community is owed an apology.”
Bywaters added that by displaying the sign containing the N-word, the school was “teaching students who do not share the black experience that it's OK to call you the N-word."
Kat Stokes, the school’s principal, told parents in an email that the poster lacked “context, so a lesson was taught on the importance of it and how it pertained to the curriculum and our world today.
“It was taken down after the lesson.”
Ruby Bridges was the first African American student to integrate into an elementary school in the South in 1960. Federal marshals escorted her and her mother to the school every day that school year.
Stokes said that the school is examining its "English curriculum to make sure it is fitting of our Christian worldview, mission, and vision of Faith Lutheran."
Faith Lutheran claims to be “the largest Lutheran school in the United States and the largest non-public school in the state of Nevada.” The K-12 school has some 2,000 students.
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Tiero
Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.
