Virginia teacher under fire for TikTok saying behavior model stems from white supremacy

BLACKSBURG, Va. (WSET) — A Virginia teacher is under fire after creating a viral TikTok video claiming the behavior model his district uses stems from white supremacy. The post by Blacksburg High School teacher Josh Thompson has been taken down.

It came down after thousands saw it, shared it and tagged the high school's social media in their posts of outrage about it. Parents and students say they are not able to communicate with the district's Facebook and Twitter. They say they received an email yesterday saying the accounts are temporarily deactivated.

In the video, Thompson first said Positive Behaviors Intervention and Supports, or PBIS, is "white supremacy with a hug." The now-deleted TikTok video was shared by the account "Libs of TikTok."

The district said PBIS builds morale and encourages a peaceful school environment.

Thompson said it encompasses making sure students follow directions and sit quietly.

"All these things that come from white culture," he said.

Thompson then goes on to explain his rationale.

"By positively enforcing these behaviors, we are by extension positively enforcing elements of white culture which therefore keeps whiteness at the center which is the definition of white supremacy," Thompson said.

Concerned parents reported the posts to district leaders and called for a Title IV investigation into discrimination. Some emailed WSET statements, asking to stay anonymous.

"It's sad that his good intentions (equality) are misdirected. He should not be in the classroom under any circumstances," one parent's email read.

"Thompson is a danger to the learning environment of ALL children," another concerned email said.

WSET hasn't heard back from Thompson or the school board after multiple requests for comment. The district did send an email saying teachers are entitled to their personal beliefs regarding division programs. They add that Thompson's statements do not reflect the PBIS program or the behavioral expectations that they have of students.

Thompson's status as a teacher and whether the Title IV office is investigating is unknown. The district said they can't comment on investigations.

It's also unclear how long the school's social media will be down, but said they have other ways of communicating with parents.