Washington family claims middle school students asked to clean cotton for school lesson

A family called for the removal of a school administrator who suggested the school "segregate" two Black students who were uncomfortable during a cotton lesson.

A Washington state family is calling for the removal of a school administrator whose suggestion was to separate two Black students after their mom raised concerns about a classroom assignment the students say involved cleaning cotton. Twins Emzayia and Zyeshauwne Feazell said they were in their social studies class on May 3 when they said the teacher pulled out a box of raw cotton and told the class they were going to do a "fun" activity. The girls added the students were subsequently instructed to clean freshly picked cotton as part of a classroom assignment to see who could do so the fastest. The 14-year-olds, who attend Sacajawea Middle School in Spokane, said that they were "hurt" and "shocked" during the lesson and told their mother, Brandi Feazell, about the incident. Brandi Feazell said she was "floored" when she heard about the lesson being taught in the class.