HOUSTON – A Houston Independent School District teacher under fire for allegedly using racist remarks during an Internet TV show is denying the accusations.
Community activist Quanell X, held a media conference Friday in front of HISD's Ray K. Daily Elementary School where Angela Box teaches third grade. He attributed a quote that uses the "N word" to the teacher.
"Is she teaching bigotry and hate, division among her own student body." Quanell X asked.
X asked for an HISD investigation into Box's activities inside and outside of school. He called for her immediate removal from the classroom.
"I find it a little disturbing how quickly he jumped to malign my character," Box said.
Box flatly denied having used the N-word or being racist.
"It's so inflammatory and it's so offensive," Box said.
Box, a former actor, appeared several times on a political show called "Tommy's Garage" on YouTube.
X claimed Box has offended Muslims with commentary, and is clearly intolerant of several groups.
But Box said she was simply exercising her constitutional right to freedom of speech.
A statement sent to Local 2 said Box displays neutrality in her classroom, but she has "removed herself from the situation until further notice" so that there is no distraction for her students and because she feels HISD has not taken any measures to ensure her safety.
Box later elaborated that she is staying out of the classroom because of a a perceived hostile work environment. She has hired a publicist and a is in the process of securing an attorney.
HISD Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier told Local 2 Friday that this is a First Amendment issue and that Box will keep her teaching job.
"Our attorneys tell us it's a First Amendment right and as long as it stays out of the schools were going to treat as such," Grier said.
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