Richland School District removes substitute teacher for alleged Nazi salutes
Mar 15, 2025, 11:50 AM | Updated: 12:00 pm
A Richland School District substitute has been removed from consideration for behavior that was “inconsistent with district policy,” according to the Tri-City Herald. But one mother alleged the teacher showed a Nazi salute three times and made inappropriate comments.
“The substitute teacher will not be returning to the Richland School District,” district staff explained to parents in a letter.
The district is not naming the substitute teacher, nor confirming reports from a parent who initially complained.
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What parents say about the substitute teacher
According to a community member, the Richland High School substitute teacher “threw the Nazi salute three times” during a college prep course, while claiming their family fought for Nazis in World War II.
“It started out he was introducing himself, and he said that his grandfather fought in World War II,” one mom explained to Apple Valley News. “Essentially, he said something along the lines of, ‘that’s right kids; Hitler’ and then he proudly threw the Nazi salute.”
The mother said her daughter said the substitute threw the Nazi salute up two other times.
District staff spoke with students to verify the allegations during an investigation, according to reports.
“Richland School District is committed to maintaining a learning environment where all students feel safe, valued and respected,” the district’s letter to parents said. “We maintain dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive community for all students.”
