MADISON COUNTY, Fla. (WCTV) – A Madison County School teacher accused of using a racial slur in a classroom is still employed with the school district.<\/p>\n
A video of the teacher, identified as Ms. Fletcher, using a slur was widely circulated on social media in February. <\/p>\n
The Madison County School District (MCSD) addressed the incident<\/a> at the time, saying they were conducting an investigation and that \u201cthe language depicted in the post is unacceptable and stands in direct opposition to the core values of our district.\u201d<\/p>\n According to documents obtained through a public records request, Ms. Fletcher has received a formal written reprimand, reassignment of duties that do not involve direct student contact, and mandatory professional development.<\/p>\n An email sent to WCTV Thursday night from MCSD\u2019s coordinator of special projects, Patrick White, confirmed Ms. Fletcher\u2019s current position.<\/p>\n \u201c[Ms. Fletcher] is currently assigned to the administrative office while FDOE Office of Professional Practices conducts their independent investigation,\u201d the email read. <\/p>\n More news out of the Big Bend:<\/p>\n \u201cAfter careful review of the investigative record, it is determined that: The allegation that Ms. Fletcher previously used the racial slur in her classroom is Not Substantiated due to insufficient direct evidence. The allegation that Ms. Fletcher used the racial slur in the presence of students on February 24, 2026, is Substantiated,\u201d the document read.<\/p>\n Another teacher, Zachery Peterson, was also accused of using a racial slur at a parent-teacher conference and in the classroom. However, the district says the claim that a racial slur was used in a classroom is unsubstantiated. <\/p>\n Superintendent Karen Pickles said that a discipline recommendation had already been made for Peterson.<\/p>\n In a follow-up meeting<\/a>, it was revealed that Peterson received a written reprimand and mandatory professional development.<\/p>\n District 1 School Board Member Katie Knight apologized to the community at a widely attended special school board meeting about the incidents.<\/p>\n \u201cAll I can do is apologize to you all that we are failing your students right now,\u201d Knight said.<\/p>\n According to the investigative documents from the school district, Ms. Fletcher admitted to using the racial slur, but says it was used, \u201cin an interrogative context, repeating the accusation rather than directing it toward any student.\u201d<\/p>\n The document said the use of the racial slur was a \u201clapse in professional judgement\u201d and \u201cnot a direct insult.\u201d<\/p>\n See the full document below.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s note: This article has been updated to reflect that Ms. Fletcher has not yet returned to the classroom, but is still employed with the district after clarification from a school official. <\/p>\n To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n