My Story

I am Bernadette Yuson a Mathematics teacher at Cajon High School for 12 years and 9 months. This is in response to the issue being circulated in the media that started on the Sun newspaper on September 12, 2014.

This is the truth to the matter.

On September 3, 2014, I was teaching my Period 7 (1:45-2:35pm) CAHSEE Math Support Class.

Before the bell rang, a male student of mine dragged my chair away from my table and sat on it.

When the bell rang at 1:45, pm, I requested him to return my chair, but he argued disrespectfully before finally returning it.

When I took attendance of the class, he kept on mumbling on his seat, words I couldn’t hear nor understand from where I was standing.

As I was taking the roll and explaining their task for the day, the student stood up and shouted to his classmate across the room the word “n***a.”

I was distracted and disturbed of what he said, so, I questioned him and asked, “Wow! N***a? Is that a good word?”

I said this to him to let him know indirectly that this was an impolite remark he’s making in class.

The student questioned me if I referred it to him. I said “No! I did not refer it to you or anybody else, but I am

asking you if the word you shouted to your classmate was a goodword. I was just repeating the word you said to clarify if it was a good word? ”

At 1:58 p.m., he walked out of my classroom without asking permission.

In response to the issue about the seating plan, yes, I had a new seating plan which is my right as a teacher, but it was not only to moveblack students around. It was intended for the whole class to lessen talking to one another.

I have always loved my teaching job. I have always tried to do my job efficiently and effectively. I do discipline my students, but I always see to it that it is within the bounds of what should and should not be done inside the classroom and school premises. I don’t tolerate racism,

bad words, disruptive behaviors, putting somebody down and anythingthat will hinder my students from learning.

Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family, relatives, friends, students, and colleagues for their wholehearted support, prayers and faith in me. This gives me strength. I believe that all things work together for good to them that love God and that JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL.