Southwest Fresno community says FUSD chose the wrong teacher

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The first school built in Southwest Fresno in nearly 40 years will welcome students in less than two weeks. But now one community is angry at the school district for hiring someone they believe is the wrong teacher for a very specific class.

About 700 students will head to Rutherford B. Gaston Middle school when it opens on August 18th. The school is named after Fresno Unified's first black principal but some people who live nearby say race is still a major issue in this city.

"Driving while black is different than driving while white. I believe that when the police come in our community and you are white you get a free pass card and the blacks get shaken down," said Rev. Dr. Floyd D. Harris, Jr.

In a news conference Harris and his supported shared why they feel minority teachers should lead African American studies over white educators.

"When they don't have any understanding about their background is and not being taught by those who have an identical experience, they are going to lose something in translation," said Mark Green.

The group is upset about Fresno Unified's pick to teach the cultural studies program. In a statement Fresno Unifed said, "Peter Beck was selected for the position at Gaston Middle School, and has an extensive background in teacher Cultural Studies. He taught African-American studies at Hoover for two years, and Latino studies for 10 years."

The statement is backed by at least one former student. "All around he was a really good teacher. I am 10 years now out of high school and he is one of those teachers you look back and you're like, Peter Beck: awesome teacher," said Christopher Gaston.

Gaston and his family who the school is named after support the hiring decision. They say the most qualified person deserves the position, no matter what color their skin.