Roncalli Principal Apologizes For Racial Slur During School Assembly

The principal of Roncalli High School apologized Friday for saying a racial slur during an all-school assembly earlier in the day.

Principal Chuck Weisenbach said he “made a mistake I deeply regret” in a letter to parents, faculty, and staff.

“While discussing the importance of empathy with our students, I provided examples of words that should not be tolerated,”  Weisenbach said in the statement. “Among the list of words and phrases was the ‘N-word.’ I, in no way, used the word in a derogatory fashion, but instead to illustrate its ugliness."

“I do sincerely apologize for the offense or hurt even hearing the word may have caused," he said, later adding: ”I ask for your grace and forgiveness in this matter."

A similar audio message from Weisenbach sent to parents of students.

The incident comes as the private Indianapolis Catholic school continues to deal with the controversy over school’s decision to place one of its guidance counselors on administrative leave. The guidance counselor’s job became threatened after someone at the school revealed because she is married to a woman.

Roncalli is part of Indiana’s private school voucher program. It received more than $1.5 million in state funding for the 2017-18 school to help qualifying students afford to attend the school. 

Roncalli High School is operated by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis.