A teacher at Kernan Middle School allegedly used a racial slur during a conversation with students, according to an investigative report.

The principal of the school contacted the Office of Equity and Inclusion/Professional Standards after receiving a complaint from a student's parent.

Teacher David Swinyar is accused of using the N-word with his students. He also allegedly said to students, "You should not be dating all these different African-American boys because they are not worth it."

Swinyar was also accused of demeaning students by calling them "idiots" last October, according to the report.

A 10-day suspension without pay for Swinyar was approved Tuesday night by the Duval County School Board.

About the Author

Featured

Members of the conversion crew take a break as the main scoreboard is lowered to the floor to be worked on as the arena gets ready for the next concert at State Farm Arena, Thursday, October 2, 2025, in Atlanta. The crew was working on creating a stage for the Friday, Oct. 3 Maxwell concert. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com