Portland Catholic School Principal Fired After Racial ⁤Slur⁣ Incident

⁣ Updated june 03, 2025

Tresa Rast, a principal at The Madeleine School in⁤ Portland, Oregon, has been fired following a⁤ racial slur incident involving a fourth-grade student. The incident and its⁣ aftermath have ignited controversy, prompting the student’s family to seek justice and⁢ address ⁤broader issues of racism within the school community. ‍The family ⁢is ⁤demanding accountability for the racial ⁢slur ‍incident and the subsequent handling of the situation.

The sequence of events began when Karis Stoudamire-Phillips and her husband,Mike Phillips,were ⁤alerted that their son ⁢had been called the N-word by another student after recess. Seeking answers and a plan of action, the ⁢parents met with Principal Rast. Though, the meeting escalated when ⁢Rast allegedly suggested the student may have fabricated ⁢the incident and recommended‍ “deprogramming” therapy, according⁣ to the⁣ student’s father, speaking to⁢ The Oregonian. The parents refused to leave Rast’s office, leading her to call the police.

Police officers responded to⁢ what they termed a “disturbance priority.” Although ⁢the officers left without further incident, the ⁤school’s subsequent actions raised concerns.Days ⁣later,the family was informed that the investigation into the racial slur was closed,and‍ their son was expelled for violating the parent⁢ conduct code. The expulsion prevented the student from attending an anticipated school field trip.

The family then sought legal counsel. attorney Manuella Tshala⁣ called for a formal public apology from The Madeleine School, the Parish, ⁣and the Archdiocese ⁣of Portland, and also the resignation of Principal Rast and support services for the affected student and his family. The incident has highlighted the ‍need for addressing racism ⁢in schools and providing support for ⁢students who⁢ experiance racial discrimination. This incident underscores the importance of addressing racial slurs and ⁤ensuring a safe and inclusive learning surroundings for ⁢all students.

Following the incident, Principal Rast was placed on‍ leave and later fired after declining an offer to resign,⁣ according to⁢ Fox 12. The family also⁤ launched a petition to address ongoing incidents of racism ⁤at the school, which has garnered over 5,000 signatures.

“We need a formal ⁣public⁣ apology from the Madeleine School and the Parish, and the Archdiocese of Portland,” attorney Manuella Tshala saeid.

What’s next

The⁣ family continues to advocate for changes at The Madeleine ⁢School and for greater awareness of racial issues in education. The ⁢petition remains⁤ active,and the family hopes ‍to foster a more inclusive environment for all students.