Outrage Erupts Over Florida Teacher’s Controversial Classroom Incident Involving Black Doll

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – In a troubling incident, a teacher from a middle school in Hillsborough County has reportedly been dismissed following the circulation of a video that appears to show her hanging a Black baby doll in her classroom. This information was shared by CBS affiliate WTSP-TV.

The video in question was captured by a 14-year-old student attending Barrington Middle School located in Lithia.

In the footage, the teacher, identified by WTSP as 63-year-old Karen Savage, is seemingly seen fastening the doll to a cable linked to the classroom’s television.

Nina Williams, the student’s mother, uploaded the video to social media at the beginning of the week. The post has since garnered more than 1 million views on Facebook.

The social media post describes the incident: “The art teacher wrapped a charger cord around a Black baby doll’s neck and hung it above the classroom TV for all to see. When students questioned this shocking act, she dismissed it with laughter, claiming it was done ‘to get their attention.’”

Williams claimed that the incident simulated a “lynching in the classroom,” with many commenters arguing that the teacher should be fired. Other comments posited that the incident may have been taken out of context, however.

Regardless, WTSP reported on Tuesday that Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent Van Ayres condemned the incident and confirmed the teacher involved had been removed from campus as the district investigates.

In addition, WTSP received the following statement from the district:

“Ms. Savage’s employment has been terminated, effective immediately, and the incident has been reported to the Florida Department of Education’s Office of Professional Practice Services for any action regarding her teaching certificate. 

We want to reiterate that we do not tolerate conduct of this nature. We took immediate action and responded swiftly to ensure the situation was handled appropriately. 

Our school counselors and administrators will continue to be available to meet with any students at Barrington Middle School who have concerns or need additional support.”

Hillsborough County Public Schools