Should White Instructors Be Allowed To Teach Black History?

OBERLIN, Ohio, Updated 6:52 p.m. EDT July 29, 2003 -- The suggestion of a white teacher for an African-American studies class at Oberlin High School has captured national headlines and sparked a touchy racial issue.

Live On Five Investigator Jodi Brooks reported that the issue has been settled, and the black teacher who usually teaches the class will head the class again next year.

"We are going to have the African-American teacher teach the African-American course," Superintendent Bev Reep said.

There had been uncertainty over who would teach the course when it was reported over the weekend that the black teacher would be transferred due to a "scheduling conflict." Race became an issue after a white teacher was suggested for the course and many Oberlin parents became upset, saying it would send the wrong message.

"As long as the white teacher is fully educated about the African-American lifestyle and can apply that knowledge, well, there's no problem with it," said Kameka Cameron, a native of Jamaica.

Apparently, budget cuts at the high school had forced the African-American history class to couple with a U.S. government class, and the black teacher who taught the history course for years is not state-certified to teach government.

But NewsChannel5 learned that the black teacher will apply for a two-year temporary state certification to teach government.

"All things being equal, it probably would be best to have a black teacher teach the course because (he or she would) be sensitive to the nuances of the culture," said Michael Williams, the interim director of black studies at Cleveland State University.

NewsNet5 received several comments about the situation.

A 15-year-old from Alabama wrote: "Just because a teacher is not the race as the subject taught about does not mean that that man or woman cannot be just as passionate."

And from New York, a comment reads: "I am a white teacher who taught an African-American history elective. It was one of the best courses I have ever taught, and the discussion with students, overwhelming black, was enriching and mutually beneficial."

The black history teacher has taught the history course at Oberlin for seven years. He has two master's degrees, and now plans to get fully certified to teach government as well.