School investigating after teacher calls biracial student a 'mutt'

CENTER LINE, Mich. (WJBK) - The controversy continues in Center Line after a teacher allegedly called a biracial student a "mutt."

The picture of 11-year-old Kaden Brown holding a sign that says I am not a mutt has gotten the attention of many.

He says one of his teachers at Wolfe Middle School in Center Line asked if he is mutt, referring to his biracial background.

The middle schooler says this happened Wednesday afternoon during his Language Arts class.

"We were doing our work ... and she said I have beautiful curls, and she asked if I'm a mutt. And I asked what does that mean? She said that means if you're mixed with a whole bunch of different races," he said.

No one answered when FOX 2 went to the teacher's home.

Her neighbors did not want to speak on camera, but say the allegations seem to be out of the teacher's character.

Andrew S. McKinnon, assistant superintendent for human resources, would not go into details, but say the matter is being investigated.

Administrators are talking to staff, the student and the teacher who is accused of asking that offensive question to a child.

"I can tell you that she is quite upset as the student is quite upset about the whole situation. Nobody likes to be in this position. None of the actors in this, I'm sure, are happy to be in this position," McKinnon said.

He says administrators are taking the allegations very seriously.

But as Kaden's mother waits on a resolution, she wants to set the record straight.

"It can be a racist statement if you're white, Mexican, it doesn't matter what it is, it's a racist statement," Liane Banks said. "A mutt is a dog, a mixed breed, an in-pure breed, and that's not my son."

The assistant superintendent would not comment on this matter, but says normally administrative leave for the employee is part of the process.

He also told FOX 2 the district is considering sensitivity training down the line.

The parents met with the school Thursday, and they are waiting for a follow up.