This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on
Pastor and Bible teacher Chris Heeter was fired from Christian Academy after he stood up for a student named Jada, who had faced years of racist comments, bullying, and mistreatment at the school.
Jada and her family repeatedly reported these incidents, including students calling her n-words, making comments about cotton picking, and many more.
Throughout the fall of 2025, Jade faced a steady stream of racist remarks that made school an increasingly hostile place.
Similarly, in 9th grade, during a volleyball practice, when Jada briefly zoned out, a student mocked her by saying,
“She must’ve been thinking about fried chicken,”
On September 25, a student told her, “There’s a cotton field with your name written all over it,” reducing her identity to a stereotype.
Just days later, on October 2, teacher Luke Elie singled her out in front of the entire class, asking, “Since you’re the only representative here, what would you say you want to be identified as?”
He used her presence to make a point about people being “too sensitive,” placing her in an uncomfortable and isolating position.
The comments continued throughout October. During Spiritual Emphasis Week on October 20, another student told her she belonged on the “black team because she’s black.”
On October 29, the harassment happened twice in one day: in biology, a student pointed at a cotton plant and said, “Look, Jada, there’s some cotton. Go pick it.”
Later in math class, when an African American person appeared in a video, a student remarked, “Look, it’s Jada.”
Likewise, there were many other series of racist remarks and humiliating moments she described in her Facebook post, each adding to the ongoing pattern of bullying she endured over the years.
However, when reporting these incidents, the administration either ignored the reports or handled them poorly.
When Jada finally spoke out publicly, the school shut down a planned meeting with her family, her pastor, and supporters.
Additionally, they turned off reviews on their website and Facebook page and wrongfully terminated Pastor Chris Heeter for defending her.
Even after going public, Jada returned to school and was met with hurtful comments and a note blaming her, while the administration still took no action.
Because of all this, both Jada’s family and Pastor Heeter’s family have hired an attorney to seek justice.
After a Series of Incidents, the School Took No Real Action to Protect Jada and Instead Fired the Only Teacher, Chris Heeter, Who Defended Her!
Jennifer Calhoun Heeter brought wider attention to the issue by posting on Facebook, writing,
“And now because of all this and my husband Chris Heeter standing up against racism and entitlement he’s been fired from Christian Academy!”
She shared a lengthy post originally written by Christie Lesley on the Sidney Ohio Community page, where Lesley detailed Jada’s four‑year experience with racist remarks, administrative inaction, and the school’s attempts to silence complaints.
Lesley’s message focused on exposing the school’s failures, defending Jada and Pastor Heeter, and urging the community not to stay silent.
She concluded her post with a forceful declaration of solidarity, stating
That’s why I speak up. Because silence protects the wrong people and because no other child, or parent, should have to walk through a storm that could have been prevented.
SO I STAND BY JADA AND MR HEETER AND I WONT STOP UNTIL JUSTICE HAPPENS NOT JUST FOR THEM BUT FOR EVERY VOICE SILENCED IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT, AND THE FUTURE! DONT PUT A BANDAID ON THIS OR TURN A BLIND EYE! ITS NOT RIGHT
People reacting to Jennifer’s post shared their own perspectives, highlighting their support for Chris and Jada and frustration with the school.
One commenter emphasized the need for visibility and outside advocacy, writing:
Terrible
God bless Chris and Jada for standing up for what’s right. Too often this same story happens to many but like Jada said we thinks it’s normal and we just put up with it. I think you guys should also call the NAACP get some publicity on this story. Prayers for everyone involved.
Another expressed anger at the school’s actions and urged accountability, saying:
That’s messed up hope he goes after them
The situation has now become bigger than one student and one teacher; it has become a test of whether Christian Academy will confront the truth or continue avoiding responsibility.
As more families speak out, the pressure on the school to address racism, protect students, and correct its actions is only increasing.
What began as one girl’s painful experience has sparked a wider call for transparency, justice, and real change.
Sangita is a passionate blogger with a keen eye for covering recent and trending news, particularly in the world of sports. Her love for travel and nature fuels her writing, adding a vibrant and refreshing perspective to her work. When she's not chasing the latest headlines, Sangita can be found exploring new destinations, capturing the beauty of nature, and sharing her adventures with her audience. Her unique blend of interests and expertise makes her blog a go-to source for both news enthusiasts and fellow travelers.
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