Hispanic parents call for teacher’s firing after comments about Trump voters

In a heated turn of events in Southern California, a high school teacher is facing scrutiny after his controversial comments regarding Latino voters who supported President-elect Donald Trump became public. This incident erupted during a recent meeting of the Moreno Valley Unified School District (MVUSD), where parents, students, and community members gathered to voice their concerns over remarks made by teacher Maximiliano Perez.

Perez, who teaches AP World History at Valley View High School, found himself on administrative leave following a viral video of his inflammatory statements. During his unfiltered expression of discontent, he suggested that Latino Trump supporters were merely “trying to be white,” a statement that drew immediate backlash from various attendees at the school board meeting.

Emotions ran high as those present debated the implications of Perez’s words. While some defended his right to express his views, others strongly condemned them. A concerned parent, Bethany, expressed her outrage, stating, “To say that a Hispanic man wants to be white? I’m offended. Yo soy Mexicana. I am Chicana. I am indigenous, and my family voted for Trump.” She called for immediate action, demanding accountability and assurances against any potential bullying of students based on their family’s political views.

As tensions escalated, attendees like Kenneth Prado, a trustee from a neighboring school district, underscored the divisiveness of Perez’s remarks, labeling them among the most racist comments made in recent times. “What you just did was make the most racist comment,” Prado said, clearly shocked by the implications of Perez’s speech.

The community’s reaction to Perez’s comments has been mixed; while some students expressed support for his stance, a notable majority sought consequences. Oscar Avila, a conservative voice at the meeting, didn’t mince words in his call for action: “Remove him of his duties.” Accompanying this sentiment was Fred Banuelos, a Mexican-American supporter of Trump, who vehemently criticized Perez, labeling his behavior as “unacceptable” and demanding significant repercussions.

As parents waited for hours to express their thoughts publicly, the mood was charged, fluctuating between calls for accountability and the defense of free speech. During this heated environment, the board listened to a plethora of voices that echoed a common demand for respect and inclusivity within the educational setting. Community members even accused the board of attempting to silence dissent, pointing toward a broader national tension surrounding political discourse in schools.

In response to the uproar, the MVUSD board released a statement announcing that Perez would be placed on administrative leave while an investigation into his conduct commenced. The board emphasized their commitment to fostering a respectful learning environment that acknowledges the diverse perspectives within their community.

The incident unfolded just days after another equally troubling event where a different teacher publicly berated a student for wearing a MAGA hat, illustrating a troubling pattern in the current educational climate. As both incidents highlight deeply ingrained divisions, the conversations surrounding freedom of speech and the responsibilities of educators in politically charged times are likely to continue to grow.

13 responses to “Hispanic parents call for teacher’s firing after comments about Trump voters”

  1. Craig Vickers Avatar
    Craig Vickers

    What ever happened to the rules that teachers are suppose to remain neutral in what their political opinion is. Not suppose to be brought up to the class or any indoctrination into their political views. This is insane and completely wrong and unacceptable. This teacher should be fired and never allowed to teach again.

    1. MHM Avatar
      MHM

      Professionallism and avoidence of favoring a particular position or party went out the window 20 years ago.

    2. Victoria E. Kimball Avatar
      Victoria E. Kimball

      You are 500% correct! This was a travesty and should never be tolerated.

  2. Naomi Kane Avatar

    Politics has no place in schools. This is clearly teachers who are biased and taking out their frustration over the Presidential election on the people who voted for Trump. This is not about free speech. This is anger from a teacher directed at Trump voters.

  3. Tim Avatar
    Tim

    I live in Moreno Valley. My kids went to Valley View H.S., but have long since graduated.
    I definitely would be angry if my kids were subjected to such racial bias.
    He should no longer draw a salary from M.V.S.D. nor should he be allowed to teach (preach) anywhere!
    A teacher should teach the importance of voting,but NEVER show bias, and especially not teach hate!

  4. Duke Avatar
    Duke

    Leftwingers do not believe in Freedom of Speech, they never have as all leftwingers are authoritarians and have to tell everyone how to live, what to say, how to think and if you deviate from their rules and faux-laws they will attack and imprison you, leftwingers have done this going back to the beginning of time.

  5. John Begarly Avatar
    John Begarly

    As a teacher, I have been asked my political views, and I always reply that my individual views do not apply in my classroom. How I vote is my personal business and I do not impose that on anyone. My duty is to teach the curriculum to my students, not to try to convert anyone to my way of thinking. This teacher was clearly out of line, and possibly imposed bullying, hurt and repercussions toward students who did not share his views. He should be dismissed if his political leanings violate his duty to teach only the subject he was hired to teach.

  6. MARTIN L SHENKMAN Avatar
    MARTIN L SHENKMAN

    TRUMP WON LARGE LET THE WORLD DEAL WITH IT..

  7. Debra Baxter Avatar

    Biased comments like this should NOT be allowed!!! There needs to be CHANGE!! aLL PEOPLE ARE THE same, REGARDLESS OF RACE OR COLOR!!!

    1. JMB Avatar
      JMB

      One race… The Human race.

  8. Margaret Hansen Avatar
    Margaret Hansen

    The classroom is not the place to push a political agenda while pretending you are simply exercising your right to free speech. Get these people out of the classroom; they belong in the political arena.

  9. Ronald C West Avatar
    Ronald C West

    When someone expressing how they feel about something, that’s their right, like the saying goes sticks and stones may hurt my bones, but names will never harm me, if someone hurts your feelings there is no harm, but punishing people for their believes is, voicing ones opinion isn’t racist, this word has been used way 2 often to benefit lawyers in law suits, that help remove free speech, and stir up hatred, if no physical harm is done, the mental damage will pass, both teachers should be acknowledged of their actions, that classrooms, hallways are schools grounds are no place for remarks about personal feelings about politics.

  10. Geedub Avatar
    Geedub

    These people need to be fired. Teachers have no business spewing their political opinions to students. Civics classes should be the only class that politics are explained. Not biased teaching.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *