A video posted to TikTok of a Texas teacher's retirement walk through the halls of an elementary school sparked outrage on social media after many viewers noticed the teacher deliberately bypassed a hug from a Black student before continuing on to embrace many other White children.
The now-viral TikTok - which has been viewed more than five million times - posted by Miss A (@missasworld) shows the newly-retired New Waverly, TX teacher excitedly strut through the hallways one last time whilst being met with eager embraces from students lining the walls.
The teacher hugs student after student, but when she gets to the Black student with outstretched arms, the teacher offers a pat on the shoulder instead.
She then carries on through the corridor, squeezing every White student who offers an embrace.
You can watch below.
While a few in the comments tried to defend the ever so appropriately dubbed "eduKaren," Miss A responded to them individually, shedding more light on the occurrence.
One commenter argued that Miss A - a special educator at the school - recorded the video with malintent as a sort of "gotcha" post.
But Miss A explained the video was actually recorded by the school and posted to the community website.
Other viewers of the TikTok, however, shared their outrage over the teacher's actions as well as their heartbreak for the sweet girl.
@missasworld/TikTok
@missasworld/TikTok
@missasworld/TikTok
@missasworld/TikTok
@missasworld/TikTok
@missasworld/TikTok
@missasworld/TikTok
@missasworld/TikTok
@missasworld/TikTok
@missasworld/TikTok
In response to a comment defending the teacher, claiming it appeared as if she was going to bypass a White student at the end, Miss A reposted the video showing that was not the case.
That video has been viewed more than 4 million times now, and the reactions are consistent with the initial one.
While many noted the teacher's retirement is a positive circumstance, it doesn't change the fact that these types of incidents transpire daily across the country, and the affected students are the ones who bear the trauma.
Thank goodness for teachers like Miss A who love all of our babies.
@SecretaryBurgum/X
@Doug Ellin/X
@evanrachelwood/Instagram