Martineau

The teacher, who has not been publicly identified, held the mock auction in January during a history lesson on the economy of Southern colonies, the superintendent of Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough, Gregory L. Martineau, said in a letter to parents dated May 29.

During the lesson, the teacher “asked two children sitting in front of the room, who were of color, to stand,” Mr. Martineau said, and the class discussed physical attributes, including teeth and strength.

“Holding a mock slave auction is unacceptable,” Mr. Martineau wrote, noting that doing so violated the school district’s values.

“Paid administrative leave allows for a thorough and unbiased investigation,” Mr. Martineau said.

Mr. Martineau apologized to parents and said that he was ultimately responsible.