Obama Effigy found at CF High

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (WPRI) - An effigy of President Barack Obama was found in a Central Falls classroom.

In a statement issued Thursday afternoon, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frances Gallo said an “educator” put the doll in a classroom.

Supt. Gallo told Target 12 Investigator Tim White that the doll was found hanging upside down, clutching a sign which read "Fire All CF Teachers."

Supt. Gallo said, state police took pictures of the classroom and confiscated the doll on Monday night. On Wednesday, state police told Gallo that it did not rise to the level of a hate crime or a threat against the President.

“The matter was investigated by the District, reported to the appropriate authorities, and the proper disciplinary actions have been taken,” said Gallo in a statement to Eyewitness News.

The Central Falls Teachers Union released a statement condemning the action.

“The Central Falls Teachers Union strongly condemns the actions of a Central Falls High School teacher who placed a doll of President Obama upside down in his classroom as part of what he described as a lesson plan. Simply put, the teacher’s actions were wrong…”

No charges have been filed.

The President of American Federation of Teachers Randi Weingarten released the following statement on the incident:

"No facts or circumstances can justify the actions of a Central Falls High School teacher who hung a doll of President Obama upside down in his classroom as part of what he described as a lesson plan. The teacher’s actions were wrong and unacceptable.

The teacher has apologized to all his students, and understands that his actions affect not just them but all of us. As teachers, we hold ourselves to a high standard, and must do everything possible to promote respect and fight bigotry."