Michigan Substitute Teacher Fired For Using Ouija Board In Class

A substitute teacher at Freeman Elementary School in Flint has been dismissed after incorporating a lesson involving a Ouija board, sparking outrage among parents and community members.

During the Flint Community Schools Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, a concerned parent voiced her displeasure about the incident, stating that her child was exposed to the activity.

Superintendent Kevelin Jones addressed the matter during the meeting, emphasizing that the use of Ouija boards is neither part of the school’s curriculum nor condoned by the district.

“It’s not in our curriculum. It’s not something we condone as it pertains to speaking about those types of things in a way that would instill fear or speak away from the curriculum,” Jones said. “We have rectified that situation and we have determined that we would not have that particular third-party staff member in the district so we can ensure the safety and well-being of our scholars.”

The decision to terminate the second-grade substitute teacher, whose name was not disclosed, was made to ensure the district maintains a safe and focused educational environment, Jones said.

Often associated with spiritualism and the supernatural, Ouija boards are controversial and widely viewed as inappropriate for classroom settings.

The parent, Billie DeVille, wrote in a Facebook post that she was pleased with the district’s decision.

“Flint really should be proud of how we came together and advocated for our kids! The teacher was released from the district. Thank you to our Superintendent and our School Board. Thank all of you who shared the post, made calls to the district and showed up for what is right!,” DeVille said.

The school district sent a letter to families on Friday reiterating it did not condone the act of the teacher.

Source: MLive