Shocked over allegations of mandatory wrestling matches between black and white women employees at Fox News, we asked recently if we were entering a new Jim Crow.

One grade school principal seems to think that’s just what America needs right now.

The Tampa Bay Times reports that, last week, Christine Hoffman, principal at Campbell Park Elementary in St. Petersburg, Florida, sent an e-mail to her staff that said all “white students should be in the same class.”

Hoffman very quickly realized that perhaps suggesting school segregation in 2017 was a bad idea, and sent out a second e-mail not long after apologizing to her staff for her “poor judgment.”

But the damage was done. Her teachers were upset, and her parents were, too. A letter was sent home with all students last Friday, inviting parents to a meeting early this week.

As you might imagine, the parents at the meeting wanted answers: why did Hoffman ask for white students to be given classrooms for themselves?

According to parents present, the principal said that she felt white students would be more comfortable if they had a space all their own.

Denise Ford, who attended the meeting said, “The parents said that as black people we are used to being the only black person in the classroom, and no one is making sure we are comfortable.”

Asian, Hispanic and multi-racial parents seconded those sentiments, asking why Hoffman didn’t feel their children would be more comfortable in separate rooms.

Parents also gave Hoffman an out, asking her if there had been incidences of race-based bullying or complaints from white parents. Hoffman said no to both.

As cries for her resignation grew, Hoffman reportedly said she wasn’t going anywhere, declaring, “I am the best thing that has happened to Campbell Park,” before beating a hasty retreat to make her morning rounds.

Calls for Hoffman’s resignation have spread beyond her parents. Members of the community, including the local chapter of the NAACP want her removed as well. St. Petersburg NAACP chapter president Maria Scruggs says the community now doesn’t “feel comfortable with Mrs. Hoffman remaining at the school.”

The school district is investigating the matter, but has yet to say whether Hoffman’s services will be retained. For now, Hoffman has been asked to leave Campbell Park temporarily while the her case is put into what the district terms “administrative review.” Her assistant principal is set to take over day-to-day management of the thankfully still-integrated school.

Campbell Park Elementary School

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