ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. — Two middle school teachers are out of their jobs after giving an award to an eighth-grade student.
A student at Memorial Middle School in Conyers, who has ADHD, was given the "Most Likely to Not Pay Attention" award at a school assembly this week.
Some parents said the award is insensitive and the teachers should have known that it was not right.
"Teachers are supposed to know what conditions their students have, and then to give them an award, that's totally ridiculous," parent Cheryl Davis said.
Rockdale County Public Schools chief of strategy and innovation Cindy Ball sent the following statement:
“Earlier this week, we learned about an awards ceremony held during spirit week at Memorial Middle School that had insensitive award categories. RCPS will neither condone nor tolerate any activities or insensitive behavior that may cause embarrassment or humiliation to our children.”
Channel 2's Lori Wilson spoke to the child's mother, who shared this statement:
"At this time, I would like to thank the superintendent, Mr. Autry, for taking immediate action regarding this matter. My family appreciates his concerns. My goal is to make sure that this horrible event never happens to another kid again. As a parent, it is my job to protect my child from being humiliated and bullied, especially when the bully is her teacher. Making fun of any disability is not acceptable."
School officials said they could not comment on personnel matters, but said the two teachers who handed out the award will not be back at Memorial Middle School, or returning to any Rockdale public school.
Cox Media Group
