A New Mexico high school teacher who questioned an African American student's decision to dress up as Santa Claus on the grounds that the mythical North Pole figure was white has been put on paid administrative leave, according to Reuters. Students at Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho, just north of Albuquerque, were told last week they could dress up as holiday characters. But when an African American ninth grader showed up dressed as Santa Claus, he was called out by the teacher. The boy's father said his son felt ashamed and embarrassed. A statement released by the school said the teacher involved had made a dumb mistake and had apologized to the family. The Director of Parent, Community, and Staff Engagement for Rio Rancho Public Schools said the teacher, who has not been publicly identified and could thus not be reached for comment, had been put on paid administrative leave. Per his parent's request, the student has been removed from the teacher's class.
