Texas high school coach on leave for calling black player ‘Buckwheat’ during game

Clay Jackson, courtesy WFAA Clay Jackson, courtesy WFAA Image 1 of / 35 Caption Close Texas high school coach on leave for calling black player ‘Buckwheat’ during game 1 / 35 Back to Gallery

A junior varsity basketball coach at Allen High School has come under fire for allegedly calling some of his players racist nicknames such as “Buckwheat.”

Chidi Ogbuta told WFAA-TV coach Clay Jackson repeatedly called her daughter "Buckwheat," a black character from the “Little Rascals,” in a demeaning way. Jackson allegedly called the girl by that name several times during a game last week.

“Seeing such an ugly, vicious remark from an educator who is supposed to be a role model… who knows better,” Ogbuta said. “What Mr. Jackson did to my daughter, I regard it as racial bullying.”

Several concerned parents of children on the team said Jackson had alternate names for some of his other players. One woman told News 8 that her daughter once had the nickname of “Gimpy.”

The Ogbutas met with the coach, principal and the school district last week, when Jackson apologized and told them he didn’t know the racial context. However, Chidi Ogbuta said the apology sounded “insincere.”

Jackson was placed on administrative leave Tuesday while the school district investigates the allegations.

Superintendent Lance Hindt told a news station that Allen ISD has high expectations that employees treat all students with respect. He added that the district will take appropriate action based on the employee standards of conduct.

Jackson has been an employee with Allen ISD for five years. The district has a policy not to disclose disciplinary measures for employees.

twhite@mysa.com

Twitter: @tylerlwhite