Students upset by Sherman Alexie's presentation

Some students at a high school in Illinois walked out a presentation by author Sherman Alexie.

Alexie was at Naperville North High School to talk about his new book "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian." The story is partly based on Alexie's upbringing and his ability to overcome physical disabilities and racism.

When Alexis repeated a story that included the use of the "N-word," some African-American students "started flipping out" and walked out, according to The Naperville Sun. The principal said Alexie's language was inappropriate.

Alexie apologized for offending some of the students and at least one staff member. But he defended his retelling of the incident, saying it was part of his book. He said he has repeated the story throughout his book tour and has not received any negative responses.

Get the Story:
Speaker stirs the pot with racist anecdote (The Naperville Sun 10/4)

Relevant Links:
Sherman Alexie - http://www.fallsapart.com

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