Journal-News.com

LIBERTY TWP. — The Independence Elementary School principal was called on to quit by one parent under allegations that he is a racist is confronting those claims.

According to Principal Greg Finke, a second-grader last week told an 8-year-old peer that he could not play basketball because he is black. Finke punished the student by taking away his social time during recess and lunch.

"I try to individualize the punishment for that child, so it is a learning experience," he said.

In the past that punishment was effective to change the behavior of second-graders, he said. In hindsight, he said, he should have created a more severe punishment and will in the future for incidents involving any sort of bias.

"Looking back on it, this was a more severe behavior than just teasing someone," he said.

After meeting with parents Toshimi Scott and Ralph Jackson, Finke said he could tell the issue was not resolved. He wrote a letter of apology to the family, stating he took full responsibility and wished to make things right by better educating himself on racial issues, seeking a cultural affairs mentor and addressing policy in his school.

Scott and Jackson could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

"I really thought about what I needed to do so an action like this doesn't happen again," he said. "Basically, whenever I learn I have a shortcoming, I jump in with both feet to make sure I address it."

Finke said understanding the needs of each child in his building is important.

"Whenever I meet with parents I want to find a solution and fix the problem," he said. "I need to learn. I need to make sure that all 868 kids that I have now are treated fairly. I want to make sure this is a place that all kids and families are cared for, respected and valued."

Finke sent an e-mail to parents Tuesday explaining the situation.

"An incident between second-grade students raised the question about whether I as a principal and the school as a whole take issues of racism seriously enough in the way we deal with students and discipline for such incidents," he wrote. "I appreciate the courage of the parent who confronted me on this issue, and I am deeply embarrassed to admit that I don't know enough about racism and how to eradicate it from our school.

"Because of that, I have work to do in order to grow personally and to make Indy a leader in interpersonal relationships and respect for all."

Parent Diane Hamilton said she would join a cultural diversity group if Finke does start the program, because it would create more awareness.

As a parent of racially mixed children, Hamilton said she understands how incidents like this could occur in a predominantly white school.

"I've been very happy at Independence and I've never personally felt any racial tension," she said. "Greg has always been incredibly approachable and very fair."

When her child did encounter a problem, Hamilton said she approached the teacher and it was handled professionally and with sensitivity.

"There are always going to be incidents with children. This stuff is going to come up. I believe a diversity team could work to help deal with these issues."

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5067 or lhilty@coxohio.com