NORTHEAST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A Northeast Miami-Dade private school administrator has been placed on leave after making an alleged racist remark.
In a letter sent to parents, Miami Country Day’s head of school said the incident happened on Sept. 19 during lunch.
School officials said Miami Country Day Upper School Director Dana Vignale will not be on campus for the rest of the week.
According to the Miami Herald, Vignale made an alleged racist remark while trying to maintain order. A 7News source said she told students in line that “they were acting like they were at a public school in Liberty City.”
When asked if she was concerned, Ruth Abeckjerr, a parent, said, “No, it’s not representative of who we are. We have an amazing school, an amazing community. We’re like a family, and it’s a mistake.”
The alleged comments caused the school’s administrators to place Vignale on administrative leave.
“The comments that were made were very insulting,” said student Gabriella Marchesani. “It’s not OK for an upper school director or any administration to be saying these certain things. It’s just really sad that these things keep happening.”
Some outside Liberty City Elementary School could not believe Vignale’s remarks.
“It’s racial in every way, and it’s highly offensive,” Amber Hayward, a teacher, said. “That doesn’t even make sense that you could be qualified. That shares a lot about your passion, and the way you feel about children in general.”
In the letter, the head of school reassured parents they are taking steps to promote inclusion and diversity.
“I humbly ask for your understanding and your patience as we work through this process. My decision will be aligned with our mission and will be what is in the best interest of our students and our school.”
“I wouldn’t be offensive about it, but she could’ve just put it a different way,” Lisa Tiffany-Johnson, a parent, said. “Even though that’s what the teacher said, what are the parents saying? Because again, if my kids was in there, and my kids came home and tell me something the teacher said, I would educate my child as well.”
The head of the school also said parents will be notified once a decision regarding Vignale has been made.
“When you look at a child, you understand that every child can learn, no matter where they come from,” Hayward said. “We will protect our children. We are here to protect them and stand by them.”
School officials said they have reached out to diversity and inclusion experts to help them create the school they strive to become.
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