See other How to Handle Scandal features.
What we know:
Donald Sterling, the 80-year-old owner of the L.A. Clippers basketball team, allegedly made racist statements that were secretly recorded by a much-younger woman (V. Stiviano), who was believed to be his girlfriend.
"It bothers me a lot that you want to...broadcast that you're associating with black people," he reportedly told the woman in the recording.
The NY Daily News reported that "Sterling is not highly regarded in many circles and has had prior issues regarding the way he or his organizations have treated minorities."
Sometimes events in the news – even dicey ones – find their way into the classroom. This may happen due to student curiosity or lack of understanding, or because a scandalous event has far-reaching impact. When this happens, it's important to decide what you can and cannot say as an educator. Individual schools and districts may have policies guiding teacher responses to sensitive issues, and we urge you to consult with an administrator before addressing these topics. At the very least, however, we'd like to help you fully understand the story. How to Handle Scandal features will appear when the news dictates and will be updated as details change. |
The fallout:
The alleged comments drew strong criticism--everyone from players and civil rights activists to public officials, including President Obama, weighed in. Other NBA team owners worried about losing fans and money because of the situation. Companies such as Red Bull, Kia and Sprint withdrew their Clippers sponsorship.
On April 29, 2014, after concluding that the voice on tape was Sterling's (Sterling admitted the recording was authentic), the NBA banned him from the league for life and fined him $2.5 million. Sterling will be forced to sell the Clippers. The NBA in a statement called Sterling's comments "deeply disturbing and alarming."
Although the recording was made in California, a “two-party” state where it is illegal to record someone without his/her permission, Stiviano's lawyer has said she had Sterling's knowledge and permission to record him.
Potential issues to discuss in class:
Combating Racism in a Multicultural World: Classroom Resources
Lesson Plan Booster: Student Clothing and the First Amendment
Article by Celine Provini, EducationWorld Editor
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Updated 05/02/2014