Parents Outraged After Learning About Controversial Slavery-Themed Field Trip

Two parents have filed human rights complaints against a Connecticut school district over a controversial slave reenactment that students took part in on a class trip last year.

Sandra and James Baker of Farmington, Conn., learned that their daughter participated in a four-day class trip to the Nature's Classroom program in Charlton, Mass., during which camp instructors had students act the part of slaves.

The students reportedly had to pretend to be on a "slave ship" and that their instructors were their masters. They also pretended to pick cotton.

The Bakers' daughter was allegedly told that if she were to run, "they would whip me until I bled on the floor and then either cut my Achilles so I couldn't run again or hang me," WFSB-TV reports.

The children were also apparently called the "n-word" and chased through the woods.

(WFSB-TV)

Officials say students were not required to take part in the "Underground Railroad skit." However, students couldn't have known what the "skit" would actually entail.

"They intentionally terrorized them and abused them on this field trip," Sandra Baker said.

"The Bakers said they pulled their daughter out of the Hartford School District," WFSB-TV reports. The parents have also filed complaints with the state Department of Education, Human Rights Commission and offices of civil rights.

WFSB 3 Connecticut

(H/T: Gawker)

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