In what seems to be a continuous trend of public hate, discrimination and racism in the wake of Donald Trump’s presidential victory, Florida high school teacher John Sousa was placed on administrative leave for allegedly telling black students “Don’t make me call Donald Trump and get you sent back to Africa.”
A parent of one of the students, Donnie Jones Jr took to Facebook to offer their account of the teacher’s actions and says Sousa didn’t deny making the offensive comment, but allegedly said it in jest.
“He actually admitted saying it. He said it was just an off-the-wall comment and wasn’t meant to be racist. He said it was a bunch of male and female students in the hallway and he was talking to everyone,” Jones wrote on Facebook. “Let’s be honest here. I could see if he said Donald’s going to deport everyone. (Even then I would have questions) but my daughter said he pointed at the 3 black students and said Donald’s going to send you back to Africa. I believe he’s sorry but he’s only sorry because he’s in trouble.”
Officials at Wesley Chapel High School located in the Tampa Bay area are looking into the incident and deciding what appropriate action should be taken.
“We take this type of alleged behavior very seriously and we will not tolerate it,” District spokesperson Linda Cobbe told the Tampa Bay Times. “We are following our investigative procedures and will take appropriate action.”