Slave game alleged at Gwinnett elementary school

By Angel K. Brooks

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Some children at a Gwinnett elementary school played a tag-like game as slaves and slave catchers at recess, and a teacher allegedly participated, Channel 2 Action News reported.

The incident happened at Camp Creek Elementary School in Lilburn last week, the report said.

Three children and their parents told Channel 2 that a teacher organized and participated in the game.

The schools spokesperson said that there was a game, but the teacher did not participate.

The school district released a statement to Channel 2 saying, "The school district looked into concerns regarding four students who participated in a playground activity. The district determined that the activity was student initiated and that allegations regarding the teacher's involvement were unfounded."

Ericka Lasley told Channel 2 that her 8-year-old daughter said she was a slave and other students were slave catchers during a game similar to tag. The third-grade student said the teacher proposed the game based on what the class is learning.

"She would sit on the bench and the slave catchers would come up to the door and ask did she have any slaves," the girl said.

Charvia Rivers said her children told similar versions of what happened.

The parents told Channel 2 that the game is inappropriate and insensitive.

A district spokesman said diversity training is planned for all staff members.

Earlier this month, a teacher at Beaver Ridge Elementary School resigned and apologized after writing slavery-themed math questions for a third-grade homework assignment.