African-American student says teacher made ‘big nose’ comment

<p>A fourth-grade student at West Middle Island Elementary School says his teacher made a racist comment to him in class on Monday.</p>

News 12 Staff

Oct 17, 2018, 10:25 PM

Updated 2,036 days ago

Share:

A fourth-grade student at West Middle Island Elementary School says his teacher made a racist comment to him in class on Monday.
The class was working on self-portraits during Monday’s art class, when 8-year-old Nassaun Jones asked the teacher to help draw his nose.
“He drew my nose really big, and I asked him ‘Why did you draw my nose really big?’ and then he said ‘all African-Americans have big noses,’” the boy told News 12.
Nassaun says his art teacher, John Johnson, is white.
Roberta Williams, Nassau’s grandmother, says when she called the school about the incident the acting principal told her she would talk to Johnson. Williams says Johnson called her Tuesday, but she didn't get the apology she was hoping for.
“He said ‘Oh, I think your grandson misunderstood me,’” said Williams. “No, I don't think he misunderstood you at all.”
The school superintendent issued a statement saying, "Longwood Central School District Central Administration is looking into the matter and trust that any miscommunication or offense taken by the family from a staff member will be remedied through further communication."
“We just want this teacher removed from the school. He shouldn't be teaching any kids,” says Williams.
Nassaun told News 12 that he is scared to go back to art class because he doesn’t “know what’s going to happen.”
News 12 asked the school district for a comment from the art teacher, but a district spokesperson declined the request.


More from News 12
1:25
Police: Crash between car and school bus in Yonkers injures 4, including child

Police: Crash between car and school bus in Yonkers injures 4, including child

2:24
Wet weather ahead for the Hudson Valley

Wet weather ahead for the Hudson Valley

0:52
 Young game developer from Westchester launches new video game

Young game developer from Westchester launches new video game

1:50
$127 million in state funding going to police departments across Hudson Valley to improve public safety

$127 million in state funding going to police departments across Hudson Valley to improve public safety

0:32
Police: 4 hurt in crash at Spring Valley intersection where child was struck last week

Police: 4 hurt in crash at Spring Valley intersection where child was struck last week

1:44
Who won NY's 16th Congressional district debate on News 12? Depends on who you ask.

Who won NY's 16th Congressional district debate on News 12? Depends on who you ask.

0:38
Yonkers Police Department host series of events during National Police Week

Yonkers Police Department host series of events during National Police Week

1:25
Double shooting leaves 1 dead in Newburgh, police seek public's help to make arrest

Double shooting leaves 1 dead in Newburgh, police seek public's help to make arrest

0:36
Hudson Valley Red Lobster locations abruptly close, workers say staff turned away without notice

Hudson Valley Red Lobster locations abruptly close, workers say staff turned away without notice

0:18
Body found in Hudson River near Marlboro Yacht Club

Body found in Hudson River near Marlboro Yacht Club

3:37
Latimer and Bowman square off in News 12 debate for Democratic nod in 16th Congressional District

Latimer and Bowman square off in News 12 debate for Democratic nod in 16th Congressional District

0:50
City of Poughkeepsie Police Department faces staffing crisis

City of Poughkeepsie Police Department faces staffing crisis

54:48
WATCH: Rep. Bowman and Westchester County Executive Latimer debate in race for 16th Congressional District

WATCH: Rep. Bowman and Westchester County Executive Latimer debate in race for 16th Congressional District

2:41
Made in the Hudson Valley: An American Dream comes true through Laura's Boutique and Bridal

Made in the Hudson Valley: An American Dream comes true through Laura's Boutique and Bridal

0:19
$8 million allocated for pedestrian safety improvements in Ramapo

$8 million allocated for pedestrian safety improvements in Ramapo

0:18
Yonkers park to get $500,000 make-over and first upgrades in 35 years

Yonkers park to get $500,000 make-over and first upgrades in 35 years

1:01
Headlines: Pedestrian killed, suspects sought in hit-and-run, supermarket pepper spray incident

Headlines: Pedestrian killed, suspects sought in hit-and-run, supermarket pepper spray incident

1:44
White Plains Jewish Agency unveils memorial for massacre victims

White Plains Jewish Agency unveils memorial for massacre victims

0:39
Traffic Alert: Overnight roadwork in New Rochelle

Traffic Alert: Overnight roadwork in New Rochelle