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Mom: Son Was Told To Picture Himself Slave

MELVINDALE (AP) - A biracial mother in the Detroit area says her son was given a writing assignment that required him to pretend he's a slave.

Jessica Gibson tells the Detroit Free Press that the assignment was given last month at Strong Middle School in Melvindale but her son, Taylan, hid it from her. She says it required the 11-year-old sixth-grader to describe the plantation and life as a slave.

Gibson says the assignment "really disturbed" her and embarrassed her son.

The teacher, Michelle Angileri, told the Free Press she wasn't allowed to make any statement. The Associated Press left messages Tuesday for the middle school principal.

Gibson says no student should be given a slavery assignment, no matter their race.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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