In a shocking incident that highlights the insensitivity still present in educational settings, a mother received a deeply offensive note from her daughter’s teacher regarding her child’s hair. The note implied that her daughter was being teased by classmates because of the smell of coconut oil used to care for her hair. The mother, Lena Johnson, took to social media to voice her outrage, and the story quickly gained traction.
Lena shared the note from her daughter Ella’s teacher, which read:
“Dear Lena,
I understand the necessity of coconut oil for Ella’s hair, but please consider using less. The kids have been complaining that her hair ‘stinks.’ If you must apply it daily, please do so sparingly so the children don’t tease her.
Thank you for your understanding,
Sincerely, Sarah”
First off, Sarah could benefit from a refresher course in both grammar and empathy. This note lacks the professionalism expected from an educator and instead perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Many commenters, including Lena, pointed out that coconut oil is often used by individuals with natural hair and typically has a very mild scent—if any at all.
Lena’s response was clear; she had no intention of reducing the coconut oil she uses to maintain her daughter’s beautiful, curly hair. She emphasized the absurdity of the situation, stating, “Why are you sending me a note because the kids are bullying my child? That makes no sense at all.”
Absolutely, it doesn’t. Even if the oil had an odor (which it doesn’t), the onus should not be on Ella to change her grooming habits to appease the bullies. Instead, it is Sarah’s responsibility to address the students who are engaging in the teasing.
After a meeting with school administrators, Lena discovered that the complaints came solely from Sarah and not from Ella’s peers. She stated, “The kids never said anything. This was all about how Sarah felt about my daughter’s hair. If someone is teasing my child, you teach those children! You don’t tell a Black mother how to care for her daughter’s hair!”
This incident points to a larger issue of ignorance and potential bias within educational environments. Lena made the difficult decision to transfer Ella to a different school, which is unfortunate but necessary for her daughter’s well-being. It’s disheartening that a teacher’s insensitive comments could force a child to start anew, but perhaps this situation can serve as a lesson for others.
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In summary, this incident illustrates how vital it is for educators to be aware of the cultural significance of hair care practices and to foster an inclusive environment for all students.
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