Houston-area Principal Apologizes for Saying Police Would Respond Quicker If She Said Special-needs Student Had a Gun

A principal in the Houston area is under fire for suggesting that police would respond faster to a black special needs student with a history of running away if school officials tell them he has a gun.Ponderosa Elementary School Principal Shanna Swearingen in Spring ISD north of Houston has apologized for her comments, KPRC-TV in Houston reported.On April 17, Swearingen was overheard saying, "We won't chase him. We will call the police and tell them he has a gun so they can come faster," KPRC reported.A Spring ISD spokeswoman would not say if Swearingen has been disciplined, according to the Houston Chronicle."We are aware of the situation regarding a thoughtless and insensitive comment made by the Ponderosa Elementary School principal to three staff members," district spokeswoman Karen Garrison said in a statement. "As a diverse district committed to dignity and respect for all, we take this incident very seriously. While the comment was made in jest, it was inappropriate and should never have been made."The student's guardian said he was unaware of Swearingen's comments until the television station approached him. Now he has a meeting scheduled with the principal, KPRC said.Swearingen's statements drew a variety of responses on social media. Some said her remarks were out of character, while others were outraged.  Continue reading...