A staff member at a school in Western Australia's South West has been fired after an investigation into an allegation he used a racist slur in a classroom.
In a conversation with an Indigenous student at the end of term, the non-teaching, support staff member at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School relayed personal experiences of living in South Africa.
The 15-year-old boy, who happened to be the grandson of the co-chair of Reconciliation WA, reported the alleged incident.
Principal Michael Giles told ABC Perth Breakfast the staff member was let go yesterday.
"It was clearly unacceptable, the comment that was made and it does not fit with the values and the ethos of the school," he said.
"We are a school that values inclusiveness and respect for all people and I expect all members including staff, volunteers, students and even teachers to share this commitment.
"We cannot have this happening in a school."
Mr Giles said he had been in contact with the students involved and said school would roll out more cultural awareness training for staff after the holidays.
Student won't be back
Carol Innes, the co-chair of Reconciliation WA, said she was proud of her grandson for speaking out.
Ms Innes was close to tears recalling the incident, which she said never should have happened.
"I commend the school for taking the action they have taken, but it can't take away the pain," she said.
"It hurt him, it hurt his mother and his father."
Ms Innes confirmed the boy would not return to the school next term.
