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Dad Claims Teacher Called Teen “Rag Head Taliban”

The father of a South Florida high school student is demanding the firing of a teacher who he says called his Muslim son a "rag head Taliban."

Youssef Wardani, the father of 14-year-old Deyab-Houssein Wardani, appeared before the Broward School board Tuesday to demand the firing of Maria Valdes, his son's teacher at Cypress Bay High School.

"As a parent, I should not have to deal with this," Wardani said. "I should not have to spend my time in front of them and what should have been done from day one," he said.

Wardani said his son walked into Valdes' French class on Feb. 2 wearing a hoodie after gym class. "Here comes the rag head Taliban," Valdes said, according to Wardani.

"My teacher called me a rag head Taliban," the teen told NBC 6 Tuesday. "I was a bit shocked and disappointed she called me that. But first off, she was my favorite teacher, and I would never have expected that from her."

The family is Muslim. After he found out about it a few days later, Wardani reported it to the school's principal.

Broward County Public Schools spokesperson released a statement saying the incident is under investigation.

"Broward County Public Schools respects and values the diversity of our students, families and communities," the statement read. "This situation is being taken seriously; the District launched an immediate investigation into the matter and will be bringing forward, to the next School Board in March, a recommendation for disciplinary action regarding this situation."

The teen said it has affected him in class.

"Class has been very awkward. I feel I always get a bad vibe from her as if she doesn't want me to be there anymore," he said.

"I can assure you we take it very seriously," Broward Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie said. "I wake up every day thinking about this, it is a priority item I have to resolve."

Wardani has started a Facebook page called "Our son is NOT a "Rag Head Taliban" which has received hundreds of likes.

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