Kathleen Pyles teacher at North End Middle School in Waterbury Connecticut.

NBC Connecticut – The school department in Waterbury is investigating after getting a complaint that a middle school teacher called an African-American student an inappropriate term.

According to Paul Guidone, chief operating officer, the teacher, Kathleen Pyles, works at North End Middle School and has been placed on administrative leave until the investigation is completed.

Officials said the incident occurred in May. They were told the teacher called the child by the wrong name, and when he pointed that out she responded by saying, “How about black boy? Go sit down, black boy.”

“We wish to assure parents that we take this allegation very seriously.  We do not tolerate or condone the claimed behavior from our staff, and if the allegation of making racist remarks is proven true, the district will take appropriate action,” Guidone said in a statement.

Leaders of the African American Community were stunned when they heard the accusations.

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