An elementary school teacher in Polk County, Florida, will continue teaching after a district investigation into her conduct. The inquiry followed an incident where she sang a birthday song to a student, which a parent described as offensive and racially insensitive.
School officials have clarified that the teacher, Kimberly Langston, will no longer be permitted to sing the song or film students. Despite concerns raised by the parent, Polk County Schools found no malicious intent in Langston’s actions.
As part of the investigation, district officials interviewed several students and Langston herself. The teacher explained that she often sings what she refers to as a “silly version” of the “Happy Birthday” song to students from different backgrounds. While the district noted the importance of considering the impact of actions regardless of intent, it concluded that the song was not intended to single out the student.
However, the investigation did lead to a written reprimand for Langston regarding her decision to take and share photographs of students without securing parental permission. She was found to have violated policies related to student safety and welfare, acceptable use of staff technology, and the handling of student records.
According to the report, Langston has sung what she calls a “silly version” of the “Happy Birthday” song to students of various races. While the district acknowledges that intent doesn’t erase impact, it concluded that the song did not target the student.
The investigation does show that Langston received a written reprimand for a lack of judgement in photographing and relaying several student images without parental consent. The policies she violated are student safety and welfare, staff technology acceptable use and safety as well as student records.
The investigation outlines that other videos were shared of the teacher singing the song to students. Langston’s written statement said she has been singing the song to students for 22 years. Polk County Public Schools said that although this is a longstanding practice, she is not allowed to sing this song or film students moving forward.
PCPS sent a statement to 10 Tampa Bay News:
“PCPS has conducted a thorough and careful review of this incident. That review, which included statements from students and staff, found that while the teacher did sing an alternate version of the ‘Happy Birthday’ song, there is no evidence to support or suggest that the teacher acted with any ill intent, or in an effort to offend or disparage the student, or any group,” the statement reads. “Our investigation concluded that this has been a longstanding practice in the teacher’s classroom, where videos of the class singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to their classmates were shared with parents.”
“However, we clearly recognize that words and actions can be perceived differently, and intent does not erase impact. As public school educators we have a responsibility to be mindful that we serve families of all races, cultures, and backgrounds — and to ensure that every student feels respected, valued and welcome in our schools at all times,” the statement added.
“PCPS will be providing guidance and training to reinforce professionalism, ensuring that all staff are equipped to create respectful learning environments for every student,” PCPS said in its statement.
10 Tampa Bay News is awaiting confirmation on whether the district plans to meet with the student’s mother to discuss the findings.
The family’s attorney, Terrill Hill, said they intend to send a notice of intent to sue the district.
“Because we say it’s a song and it’s gone on forever — that doesn’t justify it in today’s times,” Hill said. “That’s where the issue comes in. If we say those harmful words to anyone, especially in the workplace, we’d be sanctioned. Instead, we find a district that tries to justify it,” the attorney added.
