A substitute teacher in Oregon will no longer be allowed to teach in the school district after the person reportedly told a fifth grade student to “go back to Mexico.”



The teacher, who was not identified, said that to the student at the Salem-Keizer School District in Oregon after he opted not to partake in the pledge of allegiance, according to local outlet KATU 2.

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The substitute teacher will no longer be allowed to teach at any schools in the district, a spokeswoman told The Hill.

"We pride ourselves on being a safe and welcoming school district for all students, and what this substitute teacher did is inexcusable and doesn't align with our values. As such, this substitute will no longer work in our district," district spokeswoman Lillian Govus said in a statement.

Steven Zendejas, the fifth grade student involved, said the teacher told him, “If you don't want to sing, go back to Mexico,” according to KATU 2.

Steven then asked to use the restroom but instead went and told the vice principal, who took immediate action.

Steven's mother, Lilliana Ruiz, said the comment was not appreciated, adding that Steven was born in the United States and is a U.S. citizen.