The conversation about the Black male teacher who was allegedly dismissed for live-streaming students unbraiding his hair has gained significant attention. While I believe this incident alone wasn’t the sole reason for his firing, the full context eludes me. For now, I focus on what the video clearly shows.
What I witness is an educator, a Black man, who has built a strong rapport with his students. He comes across as approachable, engaging, and deeply invested in his classroom. It’s crucial to acknowledge that issues surrounding discipline, bias, and double standards are frequently intertwined with Black teachers and students.
In the video, we see a teacher sharing a moment of connection with his students during their free time. In an education system struggling to recruit and retain quality Black male teachers, it’s disheartening to think that this man may lose his position over this incident. This is where guidance, mentorship, and understanding should prevail instead of punishment. Though I can’t speak to his past, if this was a one-off mistake, a warning, a disciplinary note, or even suspension would have sufficed.
Many who have watched the video have questioned this teacher’s professional conduct. It strikes me as perplexing that a teacher could lose their job over a livestream of students unbraiding hair. Yes, posting the video was a lapse in judgment, and his reaction to the backlash can be criticized, but this solitary incident shouldn’t overshadow his character or commitment as an educator.
Social media’s role here is a double-edged sword. While it can showcase the incredible work teachers do, it also exposes educators to misinterpretation by those unfamiliar with the classroom’s nuanced dynamics. When teachers post classroom moments, discernment is critical. School districts have strict child protection and social media policies, meaning that any content you upload is open to public scrutiny, which can result in consequences—including job loss.
There are several questions to consider: Did he have consent forms from the students in the video? Has he posted similar videos before? These are key questions. Personally, I would have advised him against posting such a livestream, as some moments shared with students should remain private and offline.
As a young Black male educator close in age to my middle school students, I was acutely aware of how my interactions could be perceived. I took extra caution, especially around female students, to ensure no inappropriate interpretations could arise. I would always ensure a colleague was present as a witness in such situations to protect myself from any misunderstandings or false allegations.
Black male teachers, in particular, don’t enjoy the same leniency that their non-Black counterparts might. We are often held to an impossible standard, expected to be perfect in all interactions. This expectation is not only unfair but can be detrimental to our professional longevity.
The fear of losing my job or damaging my reputation was enough to keep me constantly aware of maintaining physical and professional boundaries. In the case of the teacher in the video, while he allowed students to braid his hair, and there was nothing sexual or inappropriate about it, we live in a world where people’s perceptions, especially from social media, shape their reality. You don’t want to find yourself in a position where you are defending your actions based on a skewed interpretation of a video.
I sincerely hope this teacher can retain his job and continue in this career. I also hope this incident doesn’t loom over him for the remainder of his professional life. School districts proclaim their desire to recruit and retain passionate, dedicated Black male teachers. But situations like this need to serve as teachable moments, not career-ending judgments.
The letters from his students show that he has earned their respect and affection. He understands how to build meaningful, culturally responsive relationships with them. That is a solid foundation upon which to continue teaching. Isn’t that enough reason for him to keep his job? I believe it is.