A troubling incident has emerged from a Catholic school in New York, where a White headmaster allegedly forced a Black sixth-grade student to kneel while apologizing. The boy’s mother, Angela Rivers, recounted the distressing details when she picked up her son, Tyler, from school last month. During their conversation, Tyler revealed that he had been required to kneel as he apologized to a teacher.
According to Rivers, the situation unfolded when Tyler began working ahead on an assignment while the rest of the class was engaged in a different lesson. When the teacher noticed, she tore up Tyler’s worksheet in front of his classmates, declaring that he had failed to follow instructions. Following this incident, the teacher took him to the headmaster’s office, where John Collins allegedly instructed Tyler to kneel and apologize.
When Rivers confronted Collins about the incident days later, he did not deny his involvement and mentioned that a similar situation had occurred with a Nigerian parent, referring to it as “the African and the Nigerian way.” Rivers expressed her disbelief, stating, “My child is not Nigerian. We don’t share the same cultures or beliefs. You’re assuming that because my child is Black that he must kneel down as well.”
Rivers noted that Collins showed no remorse or acknowledgment of wrongdoing. During their meeting, he reiterated the story about the Nigerian father and insisted that a standing apology would lack sincerity. As the school investigates the matter, Collins has taken a leave of absence. The acting headmaster, Mark Thompson, reassured parents via email that the school does not condone such actions.
The incident has had a lasting impact on Tyler, who initially questioned why he was treated differently because of his race. Over time, he has become more withdrawn. Rivers ultimately decided to withdraw Tyler from the school and pursue remote learning instead, stating, “He’s just hurt and humiliated.” She acknowledged that while an apology would be appreciated, it would not erase the hurt caused by the experience.
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In summary, a serious incident involving a headmaster’s inappropriate disciplinary action against a Black student has raised questions about cultural sensitivity and respect in educational environments. The mother of the child has taken steps to ensure her son’s emotional well-being following the distressing event.