HISD teacher under fire defends persona

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- In the makeshift studio where the controversy first exploded, Houston third grade teacher Angela Box defended her persona that's been on public access television, as well as her life as a teacher.

"I have no problem where any child comes from," she said from the set of "Tommy's Garage," the public access television show where her comments first caught the public's eye. "I have no problem what religion a child is, what color their child is, because I actually see character, and not skin color."

This is a defensive, and defiant Box, a teacher in the diverse Daily elementary on Houston's west side. In videos of the show, widely available on the internet, Box has criticized President Barack Obama, radical Muslims, and just about anything else that goes against her conservative views. There is profanity and other colorful language used.

Last week, Community Activist Quanell X alleged Box used a racial slur to describe African Americans. Now, the Houston Chapter of Council on American and Islamic Relations (CAIR) wants her role as a teacher investigated by an outsider.

"It's bigotry it's very disturbing to us as Muslims and as members of the community," says Ruth Nasrullah, communications coordinator for CAIR.

Some parents at Daily elementary, where she teaches 3rd grade, also voiced concerns.

"She needs to be reprimanded," said Randy Draughun, who has two kids in the school. "I don't know if she should be fired or not, be suspended if you do something you should be held accountable."

But today, neither Box nor the host of the show, Tommy Adkins are backing down.

"I think Quanell X lied, he lied to the community," said Adkins, who counted out 10 $100 dollar bills in front of gathered news media. Adkins offered Quanell X $1,000 to offer up any proof that Box actually said the racial slur.

Box says even though several students have voluntarily pulled out of her classroom, she intends to be both a teacher and voice her opinions away from school.

"I want this, I want this fight, I want this fight for people like me, who are not afraid to stand up for themselves."

HISD says Box remains a teacher, though they have placed a teacher's aide in her classroom to help out and add an additional set of eyes.