Roncalli Principal Apologizes For Using N-Word During School Assembly

INDIANAPOLIS — The principal of Roncalli High School in Indianapolis is apologizing for using the N-word during a school assembly Friday.

Principal Chuck Weisenbach said in a voicemail to students and parents that he said the word during a school assembly on empathy. He said giving examples of words and phrases that would not be tolerated at school. 

However, instead of just saying “N-Word” he chose to say it outright.

“I in no way used the word in a derogatory fashion, but instead to illustrate it’s ugliness,” Weisenbach said. “I sincerely apologize for the offense or hurt the word might have caused.”

Weisenbach said that faculty and staff at Roncalli are committed to building an “inclusionary culture where all are welcome and belong.”

“I ask for your grace and your forgiveness in this matter,” Weisenbach added.

This is the latest round of controversy to hit Roncalli in the last month. The school is already under fire for it’s handling of the proposed termination of guidance counselor Shelly Fitzgerald, who is in a same-sex marriage.

The Archdiocese of Indianapolis is considering whether or not to fire Fitzgerald, citing that her same-sex marriage violates her contract with Roncalli High School.

Listen to Weisenbach’s full voicemail message below:

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(PHOTO: WIBC)