An activity for toddlers wearing blackface masks has led to the closure of a Massachusetts Montessori school and the firing of its teacher.
WCVB reports that ICKids in Newton wrote a now-deleted Facebook post last week explaining the Black history month activity the children were asked to do and how parents found the activity offensive.
Massachusetts preschool had toddlers make, wear blackface masks for Black History Month.
The teacher involved has been “released from her employment," according to the school. pic.twitter.com/DNxiePFXSB— ~𝓣𝓮𝓷𝓪𝓬𝓲𝓸𝓾𝓼 𝓣𝓮𝓪𝓱~ (@TeahCartel) February 16, 2022
"To celebrate 'Black History Month,' a teacher in Toddler's classroom at ICKids planned and carried out an activity that involved black mask/blackface," the post read. "One of the parents pointed out that the black mask/blackface is offensive. The teacher apologized to the parent."
I put this one in my what the hell file.
As part of Black History Month, a teacher at a Massachusetts Montessori school, ICKids, had her class of toddlers wear black masks that she had made. She was fired.#BLM
#GrandpaSnarky— Grandpa Snarky (@GrandpaSnarky) February 16, 2022
Children's Center acknowledged the original apology didn't translate well, and they apologized to whoever was offended by it.
"While wording of Facebook apology was not the best statement, we were trying to send a message to say that research for toddler curriculum was not executed or completed in the manner that it should have been," the post reads. "so we apologize to every and anyone this might have offended."
In addition, the post confirmed that the teacher involved in the Black History Month activity had been fired and that the Center was closed because protests were occurring, putting children at risk.
Door is locked. Closed sign posted. #ICKids daycare in #Newton has shut down following a #Blackhistorymonth2022 project that outraged parents. A teacher had children paint paper plates black and place them over their faces. #7news
pic.twitter.com/yntuTtyj4I— Kimberly Bookman (@KimberlyBookman) February 15, 2022
If the school reopens, the Montessori school will train its faculty to develop curriculums for children from birth to five years of age and incorporate diversity into their curriculums.
"In the event that we reopen our doors, all staff will be trained in Diversity," the post reads. "and creating curriculum for the birth to 5-year-old age group."
A 2019 state inspection revealed several issues, including record keeping and refrigerator cleanliness. During the state inspection, no problems were found with lessons or activities.
