Manchester Investigation Finds Middle School Teacher Used DEI Materials With Students

MANCHESTER, NH — A Manchester School District investigation found that a McLaughlin Middle School English teacher used unapproved diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training materials with eighth-grade students, exposing them to content that district officials say was never intended for classroom use. The findings rely heavily on interviews conducted with middle schoolers, whose recollections formed the basis of the district’s conclusions.

According to the formal report, released Nov. 28, five students from multiple class periods were interviewed. Their statements showed they had been given microaggression training packets derived from a staff professional-development program, including a page titled The Wheel of Power and Privilege. Students said they were asked to review examples of microaggressions, complete reflection exercises, and consider scenarios involving race and personal identity. Several students reported that although the teacher said the materials wouldn’t be graded, they felt they were expected to participate.3

One student told investigators the activity included circling one’s place on a “power wheel,” while another said the lesson was presented alongside a Holocaust unit, creating confusion about its purpose. Some students said they felt awkward or uncomfortable with portions of the packet, and at least one reported feeling shame after being exposed to the materials.

The district found that the teacher had attended DEI training earlier in the year and used leftover training packets as a last-minute lesson before vacation. Administrators determined the materials were not part of any approved curriculum and violated three Manchester Board of School Committee instructional policies. Approximately 60 students were exposed to the packets, according to the report.

Investigators concluded that while the teacher did not assign grades or require students to turn in the work, the use of staff-training content — without parent notification or curriculum approval — created foreseeable concerns, particularly given the age of the students involved. The district also noted that one student felt “shame” as a result of reviewing the content.

The report states this was an isolated incident and that no evidence suggested the materials were used before or after that single day. The remaining packets were removed once the complaint was filed.

District officials emphasized that the interviews were conducted with eighth-graders, a central factor in determining whether the materials were appropriate.

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