REDFORD, Mich. – Redford Union School District removed a controversial book title after concerns were raised over its original publishing title.
The book, “And Then There Were None,” by Agatha Christie, remains aligned with State-issued content standards and expectations, according to RUSD.
A long-term substitute teacher assigned to a ninth-grade English class expressed concern about the book’s original 1939 publishing title in the UK that included the “N-word.”
The book was renamed Ten Little Indians before being renamed again its current title, And Then There Were None.
The version of the book the students were assigned to read contained no offensive language.
However, the substitute teacher, Ashmarhea Johnson, took her concerns about the book’s original title to the principal in November of 2023.
“We can not read this; what is this,” Johnson said she told the principal. “It goes against my background, our kids’ backgrounds, our staff, African Americans’ background. Can we read anything else?”
Johnson said the principal told her the book was part of the approved curriculum and they must read it.
The district outlined what happened next in a letter sent home to parents on Wednesday (Feb. 21).
“Regrettably, the substitute teacher chose to leave RUJH that afternoon, essentially stating that she could not remain in that assignment. This action led to the decision to remove her from the approved list of contracted substitute teachers for this school building,” the letter from the district stated.
In a statement to Local 4, the district stated it no longer uses the book.
“Soon after the book’s origins were brought to the attention of the District and were researched by the RUJH administration, the use of this particular text was discontinued, and it has not been used within any classes at RUJH, or elsewhere within the District, this school year,” Superintendent Jasen Witt said in the statement.
Johnson said she’s frustrated with how everything played out but is glad she spoke up.
“Every time I look at my class, I pan across the room, it’s a lot of people who look like me, and I would hate for them to grow up in 10 to 15 years and say, ‘That’s what Ms. Johnson taught us,’ No, Ms. Johnson did not teach us that, Ms. Johnson stood her ground,” Johnson said.
Johnson was also temporarily removed from her position as cheerleading coach within the district but was reinstated after attending a school board meeting late last year.
The entire media statement released by the district is below
“The book in question [And Then There Were None, by Agatha Christie] has been used periodically in previous school years as part of our Secondary-level curriculum going back at least 20 years and remains aligned with State-issued content standards and expectations. However, soon after the book’s origins were brought to the attention of the District and were researched by the RUJH administration, the use of this particular text was discontinued, and it has not been used within any classes at RUJH, or elsewhere within the District, this school year.
Our District remains committed to fostering a learning environment where all students, teachers, and staff members feel safe, respected, and valued. We take any concerns regarding the curriculum seriously and we will continue to review and select educational materials that align with these values, as well as State guidelines. Furthermore, we encourage open dialogue about curriculum content and are dedicated to addressing any concerns that arise within our educational community in a respectful and constructive manner.”
Superintendent Jasen Witt,