A mother in Virginia claims her son was forced to sit at a separate table in the school cafeteria just because of his race. The incident reportedly took place after a group of children learned about segregation at Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy in Alexandria.
The kids apparently thought they could use what they learned in class to play a role-playing game of sorts. But some say the game went too far, and feelings were hurt.
Kathryn Kelley told WRC-TV her son was forced to sit away from the white students because he is half-Asian. The mom said she understands the importance of learning about racism in the classroom, but she wants kids to realize that role-playing segregation games are not OK.
More from CafeMom: I Called Another Mom 'Stupid' After She Accused Me of Lying About My Kids' Ethnicity
The whole thing reportedly started after a social studies lesson.
Kelley told WRC-TV that her son, who is a fifth grader at Lyles-Crouch, is half-Asian and was allegedly told by a group of students at school that he wasn't allowed to sit with the white students at lunch.
"[They were] saying that mixed race kids had to sit at a table that was away from the white kids, and then African American and Black kids had to sit even further," Kelley explained. "They said that they were segregated and that they couldn't play with the white kids."
The kids were reportedly teasing students also.
The alleged aggressors weren't only focused on race; they reportedly also made comments about socio-economic status as well. Kelley said it was a tough moment for her young son.
"It was, of course, very difficult, it was confusing. He was trying to understand what was going on while also trying to stand up for his friends and trying to interrupt the situation, but not really knowing what to do," she explained.
Kelley thinks the school needs to do better.
She told WRC-TV that learning about racism and segregation is essential, but she thinks the kids also need to understand what is appropriate.
"When kids are learning these things, like about segregation, learning about the history of white supremacy in the U.S. — they have to learn that, they need to learn that, but it's not a game, and they need to learn the seriousness of these things," she said.
The school acknowledged the incident in a letter to parents.
WUSA 9 obtained a copy of a letter from Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy Principal Laura Burkart to parents that attributed the incident to an "inappropriate game."
"[S]tudents often want to discuss troubling topics from class in a variety of ways, some of which may cause offense. This is certainly a challenge in educating our students and one that we must be keenly aware of when difficult topics are presented," she wrote.
More From CafeMom: Parents Furious After Miami Preschool Paints Toddlers in Blackface for Black History Month
It is unclear if anyone faced disciplinary action.
Burkart said she would not comment on what happened with the students involved.
"While I cannot go into the details of any specific student disciplinary outcome, I will say that students often want to discuss troubling topics from class in a variety of ways, some of which may cause offense," Burkart wrote.
She added that the school planned to talk with the students about appropriate behavior.
"Next week, I will work with my team to incorporate messages reminding students to think before they speak and act into our social, emotional and academic learning lessons, but if you or your child have any questions or concerns about this incident that you would like to discuss further, you are welcome to reach out to me directly," the letter stated.
