HISD officer accused of distributing offensive handbook

Thursday, August 30, 2007

(8/30/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- A HISD police officer accused of distributing what many call a very offensive handbook is no longer on patrol.

The district tells Eyewitness News the "Ebonics 101" handbook was passed out at roll call by an HISD officer last May. A complaint was recently filed with the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, which prompted the officer's suspension with pay.

Many view the booklet's definition of Ebonics and other so called street terminology as offensive to African-Americans. Superintendent Abe Saavedra says he has a lot of questions for some of his staff, including why it took so long for him to find out.

"This will not be tolerated now or at any time in the school system," said Dr. Saavedra. "It's insulting to really everyone in this community."

"I can understand slang language but to classify it as Ebonics is a low blow to the African-American community and I feel it is very offensive," said NAACP President Carol Mims-Galloway.

HISD inspector General Robert Moore says the investigation could be done within a couple of weeks. Termination of one or more employees is not out of the question.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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