Georgia Teacher Loses Job After Video of Heated Classroom Exchange Sparks Allegations of Racial Slur

A history teacher at Newnan High School in Coweta County, Georgia, identified as Bradley Willems, was fired from his position after he was accused of using a racial slur against a student during class.

"Mr. Willems has not returned to his classroom since the incident was reported, and will not return to the classroom," said Dean Jackson, a spokesperson for the Coweta County School District, as cited by CBS News.

Jackson also confirmed that Willems is "no longer an employee of the school system."

According to reports, the situation unfolded on May 12, when Willems asked the 14-year-old student to remove his beanie, which he wore to keep his dreadlocks out of his face.

When the student did not immediately remove the beanie, the teacher allegedly used a slur and told him to "go upstairs."

The student subsequently reported the incident to the school district, which immediately launched an investigation and verified the incident.

"I have checked with our personnel department and with the high school, and there is no record of similar incidents involving Mr. Willems at any time during his employment with Coweta County Schools. No complaints of this type of behavior before the incident on Monday," Jackson added.

Addressing the incident, the teen's mother took to her Facebook handle, calling it "unacceptable."

"As a mother, hearing a teacher call my son a N***ER in front of an entire classroom is heartbreaking and unacceptable. The teacher was very aggressive No child should ever be humiliated or degraded at school. I will be pursuing this matter to the fullest," she wrote.

The 14-year-old's mother continued:

"This situation has affected my son and our family!! I know that the video is floating around so I’m sharing this because silence protects behavior like this. Our children deserve respect and safety!! We will not keep quiet I want everyone to know what Bradley Willems ( history teacher) at Newnan High School did!"

His father voiced similar views in an interview with 11 Alive, saying "there's no explanation" for the slur, adding that as an older guy, a history teacher, "he knows the meaning of the word and all that our ancestors went through."

Although he acknowledged that his son cursed during the argument, he still believes the teacher should not have used a racial slur.

"He's the adult in the situation; he's supposed to be able to keep his cool and composure and do the right thing," he said, "Just send the kid out of the classroom and send him to the principal's office."

Furthermore, he commented on Willems' dismissal, stating that it "makes me feel good."

"That way I know my son will be safe and the kids coming up behind him will be safe also because there's no excuse for that to be going on in the school house where you're supposed to be protected at," he continued.

A video that appears to capture the classroom exchange circulated online and drew widespread criticism.

"This should have never happened to him at all," one user wrote.

"Wow, I am so sorry that your son had to experience this. My heart goes out to him as well as you. I'm thankful that the school system acted fast with getting him removed. This is disgusting!" another user commented.

A third Facebook user said, "Absolutely NOT!!!! No way should that person be allowed to ever hold a position to teach!! Not acceptable!!!!"

Since the incident, the teen has been withdrawn from school and will finish the semester at home, his parents confirmed to the outlet.