Marquise White, the Maryland teacher who came under fire for letting students unbraid his hair in class, is now addressing the backlash.
RELATED: WATCH: Teacher Reacts After Folks Flame Him Over Video Of Students Taking Out His Braids!
The Viral Maryland Teacher, Marquise White, Addresses Backlash
On Friday, May 17, White released a video via YouTube. During the hour and twelve-minute long clip, White addressed the public criticism. Initially he explained that the incident occurred during the “last ten minutes of class on a Friday.”
However, he can agree with some viewers who found the viral interaction “unprofessional.”
“I’m not negating that — me getting my hair unbraided at the school, my place of employment, yes, that was highly unprofessional,” he explained.
However, White explained that he is what he would call an unprofessional, eclectic, unconventional teacher. From there, White explained how he doesn’t feel uncomfortable teaching while showing the tattoos on his arms and legs.
“Like, I will do these things because they don’t affect my efficacy as a teacher,” he said. “If anything, I think it enhances it…”
Despite his view, White admitted that the ordeal was still “unprofessional” even though “it was a one time thing.”
“First and last time, I’ve never done that before,” he said. “I needed help, I was in a bind and I didn’t have the time to take out my hair.”
Watch his full statement below.
Social Media Reacts
Social media users reacted to White’s explanation in The Shade Room’s comment section. Many of the reactions continued to be mixed.
Instagram user @jay.alyxander wrote, “Unpopular opinions: it really wasn’t that big of a deal…and if this was a female teacher yall wouldn’t care 👀”
While Instagram user @brethedolll._ added, “The problem is, he wanna be these kids FRIEND instead of the TEACHER.”
Instagram user @dr.ruffin1914 wrote, “As an educator, one of the first things we learn is the purpose and importance of establishing boundaries.”
While Instagram user @ayomac_ added, “Unpopular opinion: he did nothing wrong.”
Instagram user @mashaydaa wrote, “Teachers have evolved w/ this new generation of children . Many ppl gone see this an unethical because it’s a time and place . But I think it was harmless / simply his way of bonding with his students”
While Instagram user @paristheefoodie added, “How about teachers stop recording their students in school ?”
Instagram user @jojo.emale wrote, “I just want him to back away from the mic. He’s making it worse.”
While Instagram user @_golden_lady_ added, “He’s talking himself into never having a job again in teaching or education SMH”
Instagram user @realbriamyles wrote, “Since he’s gotten so much attention he may as well start a virtual homeschooling business and call it a day”
While Instagram user @heluvssmaj added, “didn’t a teacher just a whip a student on video ? leave this man alone.”
A Brief Recap Of The Viral Incident
As The Shade Room previously reported, White went viral after livestreaming some of his female students while they were unbraiding his hair. White is a full time teacher at the Maya Angelou French Immersion School in Hillcrest, Maryland.
Before going viral with the braiding incident, White would share TikTok with his students calling them his “besties.” Additionally, she shared footage of them throwing darts in the classroom and participating in TikTok trends. On one occassion, White even shared footage of a student painting his nails in class.
Check out the entire ordeal and the reaction of Maryland parent’s below.
RELATED: Maryland Teacher Under Fire: Video Surfaces Of Students Taking Out His Braids | TSR Investigates
