In a small classroom in Spokane Valley, Washington, a teacher tried to help students understand history.
Now, he’s out of a job.
Matthew Mastronardi, a Spanish teacher at West Valley High School, was fired after reading a passage from To Kill a Mockingbird that included the N-word.
Washington Teacher FIRED after reading ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ in Class
Matthew Mastronardi, a teacher at @WestValley363 in WA, has been terminated after he was secretly recorded reading a passage from the school-approved book ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ which contained the… https://t.co/sjDUvOqEJs pic.twitter.com/PlknT4xfW6
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 12, 2025
The passage, part of the school’s approved curriculum, was shared during a student-led discussion about whether to skip over the slur in their English class.
Mastronardi chose to read the passage aloud, emphasizing the importance of understanding the book’s context.
He called it a “teachable moment.” School officials saw it differently.
They offered him a choice: resign or face non-renewal of his contract. He refused to resign, and his contract was not renewed.
Now, a growing number of students, parents, and community members are fighting to bring him back.
A Community Stands Up
In just days, over 1,200 people signed a petition demanding Mastronardi’s reinstatement.
Many called him a “beloved educator” who encouraged critical thinking—not hatred.
Support has come not just from the local community, but also from national voices.
Conservative organizations and media outlets have highlighted his story, raising questions about academic freedom and free speech in schools.
The teacher plans to appeal the decision at the June 25 school board meeting. What happens there could set an example for schools nationwide.
The Bigger Picture: Censorship in the Classroom
Mastronardi’s firing is a part of a growing debate across America over how we teach difficult parts of our history.
To Kill a Mockingbird, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, explores racism in the Jim Crow South.
The slurs used in the book are offensive because the racism they reflect is offensive.
Removing them from the classroom risks removing students’ opportunity to fully understand that history.
Across the country, school districts have started banning books and censoring language.
In Burbank, California, Mockingbird and other classics were removed from reading lists in 2022.
In Virginia and other states, lawmakers have proposed restrictions on school library content.
Proponents of these bans say they want to protect students from harmful language. Opponents argue that this approach strips literature of its purpose—to provoke thought, foster empathy, and reveal uncomfortable truths.
When Fear Rules the Classroom
According to a 2025 survey by the National Education Association, 60% of teachers say they now avoid controversial topics for fear of punishment.
This pressure can leave classrooms sterile and safe, but shallow. Students lose out when educators are afraid to tell the full story.
Teaching complex history is not about endorsing racism or hate.
It’s about preparing students to face the real world with wisdom, not ignorance.
A Way Forward
Some districts are trying new approaches.
In 2024, New York City’s school system adopted a policy that allows controversial content but requires teachers to provide historical context and lead respectful discussions.
This kind of balanced approach may be a model for others.
Clear guidelines and strong teacher training can ensure that difficult lessons are taught with care and purpose, not fear.
Most importantly, parents and communities should be part of the conversation.
When schools engage openly with families, they build trust, and when they support good teachers, they build better futures for students.
What Happens Next
Matthew Mastronardi’s fate now rests with the school board.
Their decision will speak volumes—not just to one teacher, but to every teacher watching.
Do we want classrooms that challenge students to think? Or ones that avoid anything that might offend?
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
