Teacher: "I never intended insult"

The Bellevue Community College math instructor who wrote a racially insensitive math question came forward during an emotional campus meeting Wednesday, apologizing for what he termed an "egregious mistake."

"Though I never intended insult, I am judged for what I should have known. Educators are held to a higher standard," said Peter Ratener, who has taught at BCC for more than 25 years.

Ratener, 60, spoke at a packed Board of Trustees meeting attended by a number of leaders from the black community who called for him to be fired or disciplined.

"Apologies have been made, but where is the atonement?" said James Kelly, president of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle.

After a closed session later in the day, BCC President Jean Floten said the college would initiate disciplinary action against Ratener.

Ratener said he wanted to come forward before now but that threatening e-mails and phone calls to the college made him and his wife fearful for their family's safety.

"Based on an avalanche of angry and hysterical e-mails, I knew I would be in the crosshairs," he said. After the meeting, Ratener called his wife and asked her and their two children to leave home and go someplace more safe.

BCC recommendations


Bellevue Community College plans to take steps to increase racial and cultural sensitivity at the college. The proposals include:

• Addition of a vice president of equity and pluralism.

• Addition of an ombudsman.

• Increased money for pluralism training and development.

• Tracking data that illuminate places where the college fails to provide excellence to all students.

• A pluralism component in program review and employee evaluations.

• Having professional-development days focus on pluralism, especially in the upcoming year, for faculty and staff.

Source: Bellevue Community College

Wednesday's meeting was one of many discussions on campus since student Chelsey Richardson brought to the college's attention the question on a math test in March.

The question began, "Condoleezza holds a watermelon just over the edge of the roof of the 300-foot Federal Building, and tosses it up with a velocity of 20 feet per second." It went on to ask when the watermelon would hit the ground, based on a formula provided.

The Board of Trustees condemned the wording of the question, saying it demeaned U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who is black. The racist connotation stems from negative caricatures of blacks eating watermelon during the days of plantation slavery.

Ratener said the question originally had referred to comedian Gallagher, who smashed watermelons as part of his act, and that he changed it to Condoleezza because she was a more recognizable icon and because he likes the name.

"Political beliefs or ideology wasn't part of this," Ratener said. "I have the utmost respect for the unbelievable accomplishments of Dr. Rice."

Floten and the entire math department issued formal apologies last week, but calls for the teacher to come forward continued.

David Stacy, chairman of the math department, said he and others had received e-mails and phone calls, some of which were threatening and abusive. He said they were concerned about Ratener's safety if he were to come forward.

Ratener said he understands the pain of discrimination as his parents fled Soviet Russia after being persecuted for being Jewish. He said he has a record of welcoming different cultures, ethnicities and groups in his classroom and in his life.

"I missed something very fundamental and unforgivable," he said after the meeting.

Leaders in the black community said they were doubtful of Ratener's sincerity.

During the meeting Chris Bennett, owner of The Seattle Medium newspaper and two area radio stations, asked Ratener directly to resign.

Sheley Secrest, president of the NAACP's Seattle chapter, said her organization would let the college work through its steps for disciplinary actions but also expected Ratener to be held accountable.

In announcing the board's decision to discipline Ratener, Floten cited a clause in the faculty contract that deals with punishment, including reprimand or suspension but not termination.

BCC college officials say they plan to move forward with recommendations to ensure racial and cultural sensitivity, including adding an ombudsman and a vice president of equity and pluralism.

Rachel Tuinstra: 206-515-5637 or rtuinstra@seattletimes.com