Newburgh teachers face disciplinary action after 'culturally insensitive' post

A group of Newburgh Free Academy teachers is facing criticism after a racially offensive Facebook post regarding a hair extension was found in a classroom last week.

Blaise Gomez

Jun 13, 2022, 3:45 PM

Updated 846 days ago

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A group of Newburgh Free Academy teachers is facing criticism after a racially offensive Facebook post regarding a hair extension was found in a classroom last week.
Art teacher Nicole Mischo posted the photo of a hair extension piece on the floor of her NFA classroom Friday with the caption, "Does anyone know what kind of snake this is?"
The comments elicited multiple racially insensitive responses, some from other district teachers - according to the Newburgh School District.
Mischo wrote to one fellow teacher tagged in the comments saying, "Did this bio hazard escape from your room?"
Two other people commented calling the hairpiece a "Northern weaver" and a "Dreadlockiomatrix Africanis."
The school district put out a statement saying it doesn't condone the behavior and "will take necessary actions to demonstrate respect for their diverse community."
A source within the district tells News 12 that the teachers involved were told not to return to school Monday and that Mischo intends to retire as a result.
They say the hair was left behind after a fight in which one student's hair was ripped from her head.
News 12 reached out to the district for more information and is waiting to hear back.
The post has since been taken down.