GWINNETT COUNTY, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
Some parents of Gwinnett County school children are deciding whether to take legal action because of the controversial homework assignment that casually referenced slavery and beatings in third grade math problems.
A group of parents met with leaders of Georgia's NAACP to discuss a possible course of action.
The problems began last month after four teachers handed out assignments with word problems that some parents felt were racially insensitive.
One of the problems asked, "If Frederick (Douglas) got two beatings per day, how many beatings did he get in one week?"
"I was very disappointed that they thought it was okay to pass something out like this and think you can sweep it under the rug. It doesn't work that way," said parent Jamile Mathis.
Teachers later explained that it was an attempt to tie in history discussions with math concepts. One teacher resigned because of it. But the NAACP wants the school district to fire other teachers who were involved.
State NAACP President Edward DuBose said parents in Gwinnett County are still reeling about an earlier assignment concerning illegal aliens.
"We heard from parents who talked about how demeaning it was to have questions that talked about illegal aliens," DuBose said. "We received information from teachers who say we are African-American teachers and can't get promoted."
DuBose said his organization has put some parents in touch with attorneys. He would not elaborate. He said he is urging voters to remove Gwinnett County School Board members from office if they don't do more to address the perceived racial insensitivity.
CBS Atlanta News reached out to representatives of the school district after Monday night's meeting, but did not get an immediate response.
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