Author's 'slur' causes stir at Naperville North

A visiting author's use of a racial epithet during a school-wide assembly is continuing to cause a stir this week at Naperville North High School.

A handful of students walked out of a speech Friday by Sherman Alexie, author of "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian."

He was speaking to North students about his experiences growing up in poverty and the prejudice he endured as the only Native American at an all-white high school.

It was one of several appearances he made last week in Naperville; the others apparently went off without a hitch.

Principal Ross Truemper said Alexie used a racial slur when relaying a story about an offensive remark that was made to him. He also used a sexual innuendo and language that offended disabled students and their teachers, according to Truemper.

"I think the main problem was Mr. Alexie, in his presentation, didn't match ... the standard of words used and some other things that matches a school standard," Truemper said today.

"I think he's a fine author and model of resiliency," Truemper said. "His message is powerful and positive. But there were a couple instances where he used examples that could have been stated in other ways more appropriate for a high school audience."

Although the talk was allowed to continue, a handful of students walked out of the assembly in protest, including sophomore Lester Hall.

Hall said Tuesday that Alexie's use of such language was offensive and could lead students to think they could use the same slurs.

"I didn't believe he was in front of all the students and saying what he was saying," Hall said. "He's supposed to be an adult talking about a book."

Truemper said he doesn't blame students for leaving the assembly and no one who did was disciplined as a result.

Prior to Friday's appearance, Truemper said school staff members had researched Alexie and did not find anything that raised a red flag.

Alexie spoke to a group of students earlier that morning at Naperville Central and Assistant Principal Jackie Pfeiffer said no problems arose. The Central talk was given to a smaller group of students who had previously studied Alexie's writings in class.

"Being an assistant principal, I wish some of his presentation had been delivered with different words, but kids were not as shocked by it because they had read some of his work before so they were familiar with (him)," Pfeiffer said.

Alexie made several other appearances in Naperville over the weekend, including one Friday night at Anderson's Bookshop downtown.

Owner Becky Anderson said Alexie received rave reviews for his other talks and some of his strong language was necessary to show just how much hate he had to endure in his life.

"He's a phenomenal speaker and has an incredible message to spread," Anderson said. "I think things were taken out of context at North. He was relating a racial slur against him and some people took only the words and not the message."

Naperville North already was scheduled to talk about Alexie's message of overcoming obstacles during first period classes Wednesday. Students and staff will now discuss some of his objectionable remarks as well.

Alexie could not be reached for comment.