Teachers accused of racism after choosing OJ Simpson, Dennis Rodman as role models

LOS ANGELES - Three white teachers were accused of racism and were suspended from a Los Angeles school after they picked OJ Simpson, Dennis Rodman and RuPaul as role models for Black History Month at their school. his episode occurred at Wadsworth Avenue Elementary, where the student body is more than 90 per cent Latino.

The Telegraph quoted Los Angeles Unified School District spokeswoman Gayle Pollard-Terry as saying that the teachers - all white men - were placed on administrative leave, for “making a mockery out of Black History Month.”

Simpson, who was famously acquitted in 1995 of murdering his ex-wife and her friend, is serving a nine-year prison sentence for robbery and kidnapping.

Former basketball star Dennis Rodman has gained notoriety for bad boy behaviour on and off the basketball court.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said he was “shocked and outraged” and the actions of the teachers, who have not been named, were “cynical.”

“We cannot stand for such myopic behaviour by those whom we entrust to teach and inspire the next generation,” he said.

“These teachers undermined the school’s well-intentioned celebration, and they did so at the expense of elementary school students,” he added.

Rev Eric Lee, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Los Angeles, said: “Their selection goes beyond ignorance. It speaks to arrogance and racism.”

Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Ramon Cortines said: “It was sick and I have taken the strongest action I can take.” (ANI)