A Covington Independent Schools teacher was suspended without pay for one day after she referred to a student as a “porch monkey.”
Jackie Dowling teaches science at Holmes High School. She made the comment to another staff member – saying she “wished (redacted) would stop acting like a ‘porch monkey’” – but the student overheard, according to disciplinary reports in Dowling’s personnel file.
Dowling served her one-day suspension this past Friday. She is also required to take diversity awareness training, and the incident will be reported to the state’s Educational Professional Standards Board.
“When students misbehave, teachers cannot assault the character of the students,” wrote Superintendent Alvin Garrison, in a letter outlining Dowling’s punishment. “In addition, even though they might use derogatory names at home or with their friends, students should never expect to hear those words from their teachers.”
Dowling's suspension comes on the heels of several racially charged incidents in Greater Cincinnati schools. In December, a white teacher told a black student his classmates would lynch him if he didn't get back on task. In January, a rec league basketball team composed of local students was booted from the league after its players wore blatantly racist jerseys. In February, students at a basketball game were disciplined after they chanted racist taunts at non-white players on the opposing team.
“Porch monkey” is a negative stereotype referring to a lazy black person. Its origin refers to how poor people frequently sat on their front porches during hot weather.
Dowling said she was unaware of the racial overtones to the phrase, thinking it simply meant someone who is lazy. When she saw the student was offended, she looked up the phrase, learned its full meaning and apologized to the student.
She also called the student’s mother to apologize. The mother accepted the apology and requested that no further action be taken, according to the report.
On Feb. 19, the first day back from her suspension, Dowling wrote an email to the high school staff, apologizing for the mistake and the negative press it has caused.
“My ignorance shows the privilege that I have and while I chose to teach in Covington to become an ally for those who have less privilege, I am ashamed that my growing awareness is coming at the expense of members of the community,” she wrote.
She sent a similar statement to The Enquirer, saying that while she was unaware of the meaning of the phrase, that is no excuse.
Dowling was hired at Holmes in August of 2016. Prior to that, she taught one summer in Atlanta Public Schools through Teach For America.
She makes $38,795 a year.
Her personnel file contains no other disciplinary action.
