ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. (WANF/Gray News) — A mother is raising concerns over an unapproved history lesson at school, which the school district is now investigating.

In a letter to parents and guardians, Honey Creek Elementary Principal Adriene Lanier said the incident involved a “social studies activity based on a historical figure in American history that was not approved.”

While the school did not say what part of the lesson was not approved, the mother, who only wanted to be identified as Nikisha, said at a recent Rockdale County school board meeting that “white only” and “colored only” signs were put above the water fountains in the cafeteria.

“This is a highly concerning issue for myself and other parents,” Nikisha said.

Nikisha and her husband, Stephan, spoke with Atlanta News First on Wednesday, expressing their concerns.

“You’re telling me that this was a lesson plan that you had in place, then someone had to approve of that? They had to review it and approve it,” Stephan said.

In the letter, Lanier wrote that the historical figure in the social studies lesson was Ruby Bridges, which is part of the Georgia Social Studies Standards. Bridges is the first Black child to desegregate a Louisiana school in the 1960s.

“The district provides teachers with curriculum documents that include recommended and vetted resources and activities,” Lanier said. “In this instance, the teacher did not adhere to the approved resources or recommended lessons provided by the district.”

Lanier said while the school does not believe there was ill intent, “the activity was not included in the teacher’s submitted lesson plan and was not approved by school administrators.”

“That is highly offensive, the way that it was delivered,” Nikisha said. “I understand there is an investigation in place, and I hope and pray that that is taken in high regard to what the children experienced because the kids are traumatized. Especially speaking firsthand, mine were. It’s sad that in 2025, we have to encounter things of this nature.”

In a statement, Rockdale County Public Schools said while the incident is under investigation, it has taken the “appropriate action to address the reported information.”

The district said that because it is a personnel issue, the school system cannot comment further.

Copyright 2025 WANF via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.