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Teacher uses swastika in French geometry class

Ben McPartland
Ben McPartland - [email protected]
Teacher uses swastika in French geometry class
A swastika, used by a teacher to explain geometry. Photo: OZ13X/Flickr

Of all the inappropriate shapes a teacher could use to teach geometry a swastika has to be near the top of the list, but not for one prof in France, whose use of the Nazi symbol to demonstrate angles has landed her in a spot of bother.

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A teacher in France will have to testify to the country's school inspectorate after using a swastika to teach geometry to her primary school pupils. 

The teacher works at a primary school in Saint-Clément de Rivière, near Montpellier in southern France, French TV TF1 reported.

The faux pas followed a pupil's presentation about World War 2, following which the teacher reportedly suggested the class take the swastika symbol of the German Nazi party and apply it to their ensuing geometry class.

According to report by the schools inspector the teacher herself, meanwhile, appeared to have realized the possible fallout of her inappropriate choice of symbol and made sure she gathered up the drawings from each and every one of her pupils at the end o the class.

The incident was reported to the authorities on Thursday by disturbed parents after they were informed by their children about what had happened.

The principal responded by calling the parents to a meeting to discuss the incident, and also took the step of explaining to the children why it was not appropriate to use the swastika. 

CLICK HERE for our Top Ten list of gaffes and grave errors by teachers in France

The schools inspectorate (L'Inspection Académique), meanwhile, said the incident was probably a "clumsy" gaffe rather than indicative of any underlying motive. 

"It is most likely a blunder," a spokesman told TF1. 

"There is no reason to suspect that it is anything else, but we will verify it in any case."

This is not the first time a teacher in France has committed an embarrassing gaffe or landed in hot water with authorities.

Earlier this year a teacher at a primary school in France landed herself in hot water for showing hardcore porn to pupils.

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