A disturbing classroom video has gone viral, showing a white teacher leading a birthday song for her 6-year-old Black student while repeatedly calling him a “black monkey who lives in the zoo.”
In the clip, the young boy sits quietly as his classmates sing along. While some children laugh, the birthday boy looks visibly uncomfortable, a moment that has ignited outrage across social media.
Critics are calling the incident deeply racist and harmful, arguing that such language reinforces damaging stereotypes that have no place in any classroom.
Even those who suggested the teacher may have thought it was innocent fun say her actions show a troubling lack of awareness and respect for the child’s dignity.
The video has caused intense conversation online, with many highlighting how casual racism affects children during their most vulnerable years.
@Nwamama95 wrote: “Disrespecting a child and calling him legend at the same time. What kind of legend she mean?”
@tfdsefl commented: “Oga rest, we sang this in primary school. But her she suppose know say e dey insensitive. Omo wait o na racist.”
@iam_juice99 observed: “That black boy for back no find the song funny at all. That boy go strong for future.
If you even notice self, na only the white kids find the song funny. Them already know racism from small pikin.”
@Ehinome added: “Not surprised though. In Africa churches angels wear white and devil wears black.
We already created it in our head that good is white and evil is black. I hope this child grows above this trauma and the teacher is punished for ruining the child’s day.”
The incident has reignited conversations about racism in schools and the long-term psychological damage such experiences can inflict on young children.
Many are now demanding accountability for the teacher and calling for stronger protections to ensure every child feels safe and respected in the classroom.
