Rockdale County Schools say teacher used unapproved activity about Ruby Bridges; NAACP and parents call for accountability

Superintendent Shirley Chester told the Rockdale County Board of Education that school officials have investigated a report of an unapproved social‑studies activity involving the historical figure Ruby Bridges at Honey Creek Elementary School and that the activity did not follow district‑approved lesson materials.

The district’s social studies coordinator, Vernalisa Printup, explained to the board that Georgia’s first‑grade social studies standards direct students to study historical figures — including Ruby Bridges — and to compare aspects of daily life such as food, clothing and transportation. Printup said the district provides unit guides, print and digital readers and small‑group materials aligned to the standard, and that a Studies Weekly reader includes an age‑appropriate unit on Bridges.

“Rockdale County Public Schools provides our teachers with curriculum documents that include recommended embedded resources and activities,” Superintendent Chester said in the meeting. She said the teacher involved did not follow the approved resources or the school’s approved lesson plan, that the district’s human resources office launched an investigation when two signs were posted in the school cafeteria, and that school administrators communicated with the parents of students who may have been affected. The superintendent said the preliminary investigation found no discriminatory intent and that the activity “was not a prank,” but also that it “did not align with district expectations” and may have been hurtful.

During public comment, Josie Dean described painful personal memories and urged schools to teach Black history and protect students. Kiva Copeland, president of the Rockdale County NAACP, called the act “offensive” regardless of intent, asked the district to ensure accountability for those involved and requested clearer rules about when teachers may use materials outside vetted curriculum resources. “We do not understand the context that it was left within a specific group of students,” Copeland said, adding that the NAACP seeks “acknowledgment that it was considered inappropriate and that there is zero tolerance for this type of offensive action.”

District leaders emphasized steps already taken: an HR investigation, a principal letter to families, and direct communication with parents of possibly affected students. The superintendent told the board the district “will always investigate things thoroughly and address any inappropriate actions identified and reported to us.” No disciplinary outcomes were announced at the board meeting.

Board members and community speakers pressed the administration for clarity about policies and for prevention steps, including whether teachers must obtain prior approval to deviate from vetted lessons and how the district will ensure sensitive lessons are age‑appropriate. The social studies coordinator reiterated that unit guides and recommended resources are provided to teachers, and that materials such as the Studies Weekly reader are intended to support inquiry‑driven instruction about Bridges and other figures.

The district did not report any formal personnel action or board vote about the incident at the meeting; the board requested the administration’s follow‑up and took public comment during the meeting’s citizen comment period.

The district’s statement and the curriculum explanation framed the incident as a deviation from approved materials and not as an example of intentional discrimination; community leaders said that was not sufficient and sought both accountability and clearer guidance to prevent recurrence.