Substitute admits Richland Nazi salute. Here’s why he says the reaction is ‘overblown’
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with a statement from the substitute teacher.
The Richland School District has removed a substitute teacher from its pool after being notified of behavior that was “inconsistent with district policy.”
One parent said in an online post that the sub “threw the Nazi salute three times” during a Richland High School college prep period and allegedly claimed his descendants fought for the fascist party in World War II.
District official declined to talk about what happened other than to release a statement to parents on Thursday.
“The district takes this matter seriously and immediately launched an investigation. This matter has been addressed in accordance with our policies. The substitute teacher will not be returning to the Richland School District,” said the letter.
While the 78-year-old substitute confirmed to the Herald that he made the gesture, he says other details have been “way, way, overblown.”
“It’s completely erroneous and doesn’t match the facts,” he said.
He said he is not a national socialist and has no familial ties to the Nazi Party.
The sub was having a one-on-one discussion with a student, he said. During a story about “how bad” the students reportedly had it while in class, he made the salute as a reference to a former college teacher, who was an actual Nazi.
The sub says he has a bad habit of talking with his hands, and denied any intention of harming students.
“It was a private conversation where I used my hands,” he told the Herald.
The district is not naming him and has declined to talk more about the incident. The sub says he’s worked in the district on and off for nearly 20 years.
German socialist movement
Nazism was a German socialist movement in the mid 20th century that came to power under the leadership of Adolf Hitler. Under the “Third Reich,” Nazi Germany coordinated the largest genocide of the century, systematically killing more than six million Jewish people and millions of other Europeans.
Modern Neo-Nazi hate groups carry on the party’s views of antisemitism today in the U.S. through Active Clubs and White Lives Matter networks.
School district staff investigating the incident spoke to multiple students to verify the claims, the community member said in the post.
Families, students and staff can make anonymous tips via test message, email or phone call for any incidents involving cyberbullying, harassment, threats, weapons, drugs, mental health or domestic issues.
“Richland School District is committed to maintaining a learning environment where all students feel safe, valued and respected,” the district’s letter read. “We maintain dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive community for all students.”
That tip line is 509-392-4668 or online at rsd-wa.safeschoolalert.com.
A Richland Police Department spokesperson says their agency wasn’t contacted about the incident and they have not investigated the claim.
This story was originally published March 14, 2025 at 4:51 PM.
