Huntingdon coach suspended for his comments to students
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HUNTINGDON, Tenn. — After 12 years of teaching and several years of coaching, the Huntingdon Special School District has suspended Jason Martin, citing comments he made to his students. Nakia Hart said her son was one of those students. “What teacher is supposed to act like that?” Hart said. Hart said her son has complained on several occasions about Martin but that his last comment was the final straw. “Coach Martin replied back and told him, yeah, I hope your dumb black ass will pass my class,” Hart said. The superintendent, Pat Dillahunty, said Martin was suspended for unprofessional conduct and that they take matters like this seriously. Dillahunty also said this is the first time Martin has been reprimanded in his years with the district. “He comes back the first of the year, but who says he’s not going to do it again?” Hart said. Other parents said they’re thankful the school system has been cooperative and addressed their concerns. NAACP member and parent Cedric Edmonson said in a statement, “When an issue like this does happen, it needs to be addressed, because hearing a teacher say these words gives the kids the green light to say them, too.” Martin’s suspension is from Aug. 21 until Dec. 18.
