Kentucky teacher placed on leave after distributing word search including racial slur

Valarie Honeycutt Spears, Lexington Herald-Leader on Sep 24, 2026

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LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Boone County High School teacher on Thursday gave students an inappropriate word search puzzle that included a “deeply offensive racial slur,” district officials confirmed.

The teacher was immediately placed on leave, officials said Thursday evening.

“Boone County School District administrators have been made aware, and have confirmed, that an inappropriate word search puzzle that included a deeply offensive racial slur was distributed to students by a teacher in a classroom at Boone County High School earlier today, September 24, 2026,” a statement said.

“School and district administrators will seek disciplinary action to the maximum extent allowed,” the statement said. “We recognize that the distribution of this material is hurtful, disrespectful, and inconsistent with the inclusive and welcoming environment we are committed to providing to every student.”

The statement also condemned the language included in the word search.

“We take this incident seriously, and we want to be unequivocal that there is zero tolerance for racial insensitivity, discrimination, or behavior that undermines the dignity and belonging of our students,” the statement said.

Superintendent Jeff Hauswald said he was disappointed in the teacher who “failed to meet the curricular requirements and inclusive expectations we set for EVERY employee at all of our schools.”

“We will continue to reinforce our expectations for respect, responsibility, and inclusion throughout our school community,” said Principal Stacey Black. “We appreciate the students who have brought this matter forward as part of our efforts to maintain a school environment where every individual is treated with dignity and respect. I sincerely apologize on behalf of our staff to our entire school community. We will increase our efforts to ensure that this does not happen again. Counselors are joining me in a meeting with all students impacted.”

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