The Dumont High School teachers were caught making homophobic comments about a gay colleague. (Google Maps)
Four high school teachers were caught out making “disturbing” homophobic comments about a colleague while students attended a class via Zoom.
One teacher who works at Dumont High School, New Jersey, was sharing their screen while teaching a science class via Zoom on Wednesday (25 November) , when students noticed a group chat window was open.
According to the New Jersey Herald, one of the students in attendance took a screenshot of the group chat, which showed the teachers making homophobic comments about a gay colleague.
One teacher asked: “Why is that kid with the gay gym teacher?”
Another responded: “Is that her adopted kid? Who is gonna be all f**ked up growing up watching two chicks kissing and calling them both mom.”
dumont high school science teachers…. really???? we knew they were racist but homophobic too? i always liked the english teachers more. pic.twitter.com/CXxiIzlY6z
— ANDY MIQ (@adrwmiq) November 25, 2020
Local mayor Andrew LaBruno is now calling for the high school to conduct an investigation into the incident.
He wrote on Facebook: “I have been made aware of some disturbing and extremely appalling comments between Dumont High School teachers captured in a group chat shared during a Zoom class.
“These homophobic comments do not reflect our community’s values, nor do they represent our beliefs in the Borough of Dumont. We are an inclusive and welcoming community… While there is still much work to be done fighting against inequalities and standing up for human rights, our educators mold our children’s minds, and these comments have no place in our education system.
“I’ve contacted the Dumont Public Schools superintendent, who has assured me that this incident is being taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated.
“Dumont is one big family, and together we must ensure that all of our neighbors know that hate has no home here.”
A petition to “fire the homophobic teachers at Dumont High School” has also been created, and has been signed by more than 4,000 people.
The petition states: “This behavior is unacceptable and should not be tolerated by the school district or its employees, and should result in their forced resignations immediately.”