Spokane Teacher Fired Over 'Mockingbird' Incident

Matthew Mastronardi, a Spanish teacher at West Valley High School in Spokane, Washington, was fired after reading aloud a passage from Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird' containing the n-word, following a challenge from students and with the incident being recorded. Mastronardi stated he read the word as a 'teachable moment' to address historical context and literary honesty, disagreeing with skipping the word. He was given a verbal warning for allegedly failing to maintain professional boundaries and civility, then told to resign or face non-renewal of his contract, which he refused. School officials claimed the firing was not solely related to this incident but did not specify other reasons. Mastronardi reported there were no parent complaints or prior disciplinary actions against him. He plans to appeal the decision at a school board meeting.