By Jovani Davis
(Source CNW)
A Broward County high school teacher has been removed from the classroom while officials investigate allegations that he made racially charged comments during a lesson earlier this month.
Steven Babice, a 66-year-old social sciences teacher at Everglades High School in Miramar, was placed on administrative reassignment after a Sept. 11 incident that was reportedly recorded and shared with school administrators, according to a statement from Broward County Public Schools (BCPS).
A 17-year-old student told the Miami New Times that Babice slammed his fists on a desk, kicked a closet door, and later referred to a student he had removed from the classroom as “that ignorant Black kid.” The student also alleged that Babice questioned his class with comments such as, “Black people are taught to hate white people, so who’s the racist?” and claimed that more white people are killed by police than Black people.
“Broward County Public Schools is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct,” district spokeswoman Keyla Concepción said in a statement. “We take all allegations seriously and will thoroughly investigate to ensure our learning environments remain safe, respectful, and inclusive for every student and family.”
Babice will remain on administrative reassignment pending the outcome of a professional practices investigation.