In Ohio, a teacher was recently axed over issues concerning the death of George Floyd.
As reported by The Columbus Dispatch, Bishop Ready High theology instructor Deborah DelPrince shared her thoughts on what caused George’s May 25th passing beneath the knee of Minnesota Officer Derek Chauvin.
According to Deborah — as expressed during a virtual class meeting on February 24th — it’s not so certain the man couldn’t breathe.
Deborah was remarking upon a student’s screen — it featured a photo of LeBron James sporting a shirt with the phrase “I can’t breathe.”
She spoke the words that would put her out of work:
“‘I can’t breathe’ — that’s not necessarily true. But it perpetuates a myth against police.”
DelPrince continued.
“I’m not sure LeBron James is in the position to be disrespectful to police officers, primarily because he probably doesn’t go anywhere without a bodyguard.”
Bishop Ready’s infamous Deborah DelPrince strikes again, only this time on camera! my two favorite parts are when she says that “I Can’t Breathe” perpetuates a MYTH about police & that the murder of George Floyd is disputed – be careful Debbie, your bigotry is showing 😉 pic.twitter.com/Bup6zJuCaT
— javana ✨ (@javanaaaa) February 25, 2021
An obviously confused student responded, “I’m sorry — did you just say that it’s disputed that George Floyd couldn’t breathe?”
“Yes, it is disputed,” she replied.
“By who?” the student asked.
Deborah’s answer:
“The tape.”
The student started to further inquire:
“Did the medical examiner — nevermind.”
Deborah:
“Okay.”
“‘Cause I’m gonna say something that’s gonna get me in trouble,” the student finished.
The Catholic Diocese of Columbus released a statement on the matter concurrent with a probe:
These comments, contrary to school and diocesan guidelines, reflected extremely poor judgment and, upon learning of this incident, the instructor was immediately placed on administrative leave pending a detailed investigation.
According to the diocese, Deborah’d “made unsupported personal assertions and opinions” during the class.
The following Tuesday, Chancellor Deacon Thomas Berg announced she’d been let go just two days after the class-time occurrence.
A worthy detail is the fact that LeBron’s shirt had nothing to do with George Floyd.
From the Dispatch:
James wore that shirt before a basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets in December 2014 after Eric Garner died in July 2014 when a New York City Police Department officer put him in a choke-hold while arresting him.
The outlet relays it called Deborah for input on the incident.
When reached by phone for a comment Tuesday afternoon, she hung up immediately.
It seems to me that, if the diocese was going to make a statement on what its teacher had claimed, it would’ve been more meaningful to have addressed her assertion and explained why she was wrong. There was an opportunity for discussion and clarity — for parents, for Deborah, and for the student who never completed that last question.
Still, a discussion was had — on Twitter:
the best part is the big smile she has on her face knowing how disturbed students are to hear her say such disgusting things
— javana ✨ (@javanaaaa) February 25, 2021
So much ignorance. It is a medical fact that if you can’t breathe, you can’t talk. George saying he couldn’t breathe is proof that he could breathe. What he meant was that he was having difficulty breathing, but he was saying it long before any of the cops touched.
— Devon Birkey (@CubsFanGeezer) March 24, 2021
Interestingly, right before people get to the point of not being able to breath, they tend to say they can’t breath… before passing out or dying.
— VforGreen (@sjlstwit) March 24, 2021
Isn’t the “dispute” now in court? They are selecting a jury so both sides can make their cases that it was or was not murder.
— KEL (@KEL_423714) March 11, 2021
The officers fault has already been admitted by the state with a $27 million settlement. The trial is all about the punishment now.
— VforGreen (@sjlstwit) March 24, 2021
If he could say out loud “I can’t breathe”, OBVIOUSLY he could.
— Wayne_In_Akron (@Wayne_In_Akron) February 25, 2021
You need to read the Medical Examiner’s reporthttps://t.co/gvceOTfrOY
Mr. Floyd had high blood pressure, heart disease and had various drugs in his system
Incl – Fentanyl and Norfentanyl at very dangerous levels pic.twitter.com/H1HQsXLxwf
— Rogue35F (@KStafford67) March 24, 2021
and the funniest part is if you went to Ready, you know this isn’t the first time she has said something controversial, disturbing or hurtful to any identity group or person. almost everyone I know has a personal story of her being disrespectful, or knows of someone with a story
— javana ✨ (@javanaaaa) February 25, 2021
Like many of you all, I am enraged by BRHS’ response regarding Deborah Delprince. This event is only a reflection of what has consistently happened for years. Help us hold Delprince accountable once and for all. Take the google form and tell your story! https://t.co/DceKzmgRhp
— javana ✨ (@javanaaaa) March 2, 2021
thank you to those who caught this on camera, hopefully with this disturbing behavior finally being on camera, maybe some consequence will actually come of her actions that have gone on for far too long to be okay
— javana ✨ (@javanaaaa) February 25, 2021
Felon floyd died from drug use and a heart condition exasperated by physically resisting arrest. The ME determined he was not asphyxiated. But I know facts are white supremacy so…
— Colon kaperdick (@kaperdick) March 23, 2021
I am glad to finally see her behavior getting addressed. The amount of things she has said to students in her time at BRHS is despicable. I pray the administration finally sees her true colors and prevents her from hurting anymore students.
— Cara Rains (@joyful_cara4015) February 25, 2021
As for the above references to her having been “disrespectful” or “hurtful” in the past, the teacher’s certainly had plenty of opportunity for such.
Deborah had taught at the school for over 21 years.
-ALEX
See more pieces from me:
Minnesota Theater Cancels Musical Production of ‘Cinderella’ Because the Cast Was Too White
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