I see the angle of triggering students of color but then I would advocate that the teachers actually teach the nuances. I would suggest that the curriculum be changed to a more in depth study of his work. Not let the administration off the hook by removing the discomfort of actually dealing with Twain’s material in depth. I think a compromise could be reached where the teachers simply are not allowed to use the N word. The issue here is not the literature but the people teaching the literature. All the instances you mentioned are clear establishment issues. I recognize the comparison you made about Romeo and Juliet . It’s a double standard I agree and it is racism. Perhaps a disclaimer or a paper sent home giving parents the option of letting their kid opt out of the classes? Yet also insuring that if the parent does decide to let their child study the material it will be handled with the utmost sensitivity and respect it deserves? I’m not disagreeing with you completely. I don’t want anymore children of color harmed either. I just really feel like the positive could really outweigh the negative when it comes to Twain. Thank you for taking the time to respond and reiterate your point to me.