Steve Lysenko, who serves as a ninth grade teacher and academy assistant principal at Spencerport Schools in Rochester, identified himself in a widely circulated Facebook Live video he recorded on the night of Sept. 4 during a protest outside Rochester Police Department.
“We didn’t do anything but chant and sing,” said Lysenko, who can be seen wearing a Black Lives Matter shirt. “And guess what happened? Our peacekeepers ended up shooting pepper spray at us for singing and chanting and telling them what a [explicit] job they were doing.”
“They can [explicit] right off America,” he shouted. “[Explicit] the police; [explicit] the Rochester Police Department. Thank you.”
“Spencerport Central School District stands in solidarity in support of racial equality and systemic change. We remain committed to this change, and want all of our families to know we further stand in solidarity with peaceful protesters,” the district wrote in a statement, admitting that Lysenko’s use of language was inappropriate. “We apologize to our students, parents and community that you had to hear this language from one of our employees.”
“To see a public educator stating such a vulgar statement online disrespecting the men and women of our community is intolerable,” the petition reads. “This is unprofessional and I do not want someone who acts out such manner influencing my peers or community. I do not care your beliefs, no educator should set this example.”
