EDITORIAL NOTE: Tampa Bay 28 wants to warn viewers that these are some very disturbing images and the editorial team has made the decision to blur the image shown to you, because it is highly offensive.
A video recorded inside a Hillsborough County classroom is drawing backlash after many parents and community members said it showed a racist act in front of students.
Karen Savage, the teacher who was in the video, has been terminated, according to an official statement on May 20 from the district that was addressed to Tampa Bay 28 reporter Keely McCormick:
Ms. Savage’s employment has been terminated, effective immediately, and the incident has been reported to the Florida Department of Education's Office of Professional Practice Services for any action regarding her teaching certificate.
We want to reiterate that we do not tolerate conduct of this nature. We took immediate action and responded swiftly to ensure the situation was handled appropriately.
Our school counselors and administrators will continue to be available to meet with any students at Barrington Middle School who have concerns or need additional support.
According to Hillsborough County Public Schools, the incident happened on Monday at Barrington Middle School in Lithia.
WATCH: Hillsborough teacher removed after video at Lithia middle school sparks outrage
The video, which circulated on social media, appeared to show a teacher hanging a Black baby doll by a charger cord tied around the doll’s neck above a television inside a classroom.
Tampa Bay 28 has decided to blur a freeze frame from the video due to the disturbing images displayed.
The mother of the student who recorded the video told Tampa Bay 28's McCormick her son sent it to her during the school day. She said she immediately picked him up from school because she was concerned about his safety and mental well-being.
“Why are we dealing with this in 2026?” the student’s mother said. “Why are my young Black children not able to go to school without having to be reminded of a torturous, horrific past? He’s there to get his education.”
The school district said it is aware of the incident and confirmed the teacher involved has been removed.
In a statement, Superintendent Van Ayres said the district is committed to creating a learning environment where students feel respected, valued, and safe. He said the district recognizes incidents like this cause concern among students, families, and the community.
The superintendent said the district is taking the matter seriously and will continue addressing it with transparency and urgency.
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