The teacher accused of repeating a racial slur at a student last month at Park Hill High School gave notice of his retirement the day the district began the process to terminate him.
Teacher Stuart Sullinger was identified on social media by Park Hill students after he was accused of repeating the “n-word” to a Black student after the student used the word. Sullinger is white.
Superintendent Dr. Jeanette Cowherd announced the retirement at the Thursday, Feb. 24 meeting of the board of education. She said Sullinger and the student involved received an appropriate due process before punishments were determined.
On Tuesday, Feb. 8, principal Brad Kincheloe announced a staff member had been placed on leave for use of racist language.
By Thursday, Feb. 10, dozens of Park Hill students were staging a peaceful protest in the school’s gym and that evening Cowherd addressed the situation at a board of education meeting.
Video of the confrontation also emerged on social media, as well as allegations that the teacher had used such language before in the classroom.
According to information given by the district, a student used a racist term in front of Sullinger, who repeated that language back at the student while questioning the student about the comment.
According to district officials, approving Sullinger’s retirement was the fastest way to end his employment. The due process that the law requires for termination in public schools can last for months.
By retiring, Sullinger gave up due process rights, and the district was not be responsible for keeping him on paid leave past Feb. 28.