Fort Worth, TX – Jason Buchanan, a substitute teacher at Fort Worth Independent School District (ISD), faced significant backlash after a post on X (formerly Twitter) suggested that ICE should conduct a raid at Northside High School. In the post, Buchanan claimed that many students in the 10th and 11th grades “don’t even speak English” and implied that they rely on iPhone translators.
His comments quickly ignited outrage among social media users who perceived them as discriminatory. The situation escalated when Buchanan responded defensively to critics and made additional remarks about agricultural workers, further fueling public discontent.
Personal Information Shared Online
As the controversy grew, social media users identified Buchanan and shared his personal information across various platforms. This included his employment details and social media accounts. Many called for his termination, arguing that his views were incompatible with the responsibilities of an educator in a diverse school setting like Northside High, where approximately 35% of students are English language learners.
The online backlash intensified as users uncovered more about Buchanan’s online presence. Screenshots of his posts circulated widely, reaching education advocacy groups and community organizations. In response, Fort Worth ISD placed Buchanan on administrative leave and initiated an investigation into his conduct. The district reaffirmed its commitment to protecting all students, regardless of their immigration status or language proficiency.
Investigation Launched by Fort Worth ISD
Following the viral nature of Buchanan’s posts, Fort Worth ISD took immediate action. On January 24, the district placed him on administrative leave and began a thorough investigation. This decision came after widespread concern from students, parents, and community members surrounding the implications of his comments.
District officials released a statement underscoring their commitment to student safety and diversity. Fort Worth ISD serves over 73,000 students, with Northside High School’s student body being predominantly Hispanic. The district emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive environment where all students feel safe and respected.
Superintendent Dr. Angelica Ramsey addressed the issue directly, stating that Fort Worth ISD does not tolerate any form of discrimination. She highlighted that every student has the right to feel safe and valued. The district’s response aligns with federal laws that protect students’ rights to education, regardless of their immigration status.
Buchanan’s Initial Post
Buchanan’s troubling comments originated in a post responding to ICE’s announcement about recent arrests. He tagged ICE in his message, inviting them to visit Northside High School and expressing concerns about language barriers among certain students. His statements quickly drew widespread attention on social media.
In response to the outcry, Buchanan defended his position but further increased tensions by labeling critics as “dumb” and expanding his commentary to include U.S. agriculture. He suggested that farmers should stop hiring undocumented workers to lower labor costs, which drew additional condemnation from the public.
Community Reaction and Concerns
The community’s response to Buchanan’s remarks was swift and severe. Social media users expressed outrage over his anti-immigrant sentiments. Many demanded that Fort Worth ISD terminate his employment as hundreds of complaints flooded into the district within 24 hours.
This incident has highlighted broader concerns regarding xenophobia in educational settings. With 35% of Northside High School students classified as English language learners, parents and community members have voiced concerns about how such attitudes could affect student well-being. Local advocacy groups have called for mandatory cultural sensitivity training for all district employees.
Fort Worth ISD serves over 76,000 students, with Hispanic students representing 63% of the population. The district has established programs to support English language learners and promote inclusivity. Education experts emphasize that teachers’ attitudes can greatly influence student success, noting that supportive teaching practices lead to better outcomes for immigrant students.