Johnston County teacher accused of racial slur and threatening family

A Johnston County mother says a teacher at Archer Lodge Middle School used a racial slur against her daughter and threatened their family following a minor classroom disagreement.

According to Whitney Dean, the alleged racial slur prompted her daughter to begin recording the incident earlier this week.

The recording reportedly captures a racial slur and threats allegedly made by Michael Melchiorre, the teacher.

He allegedly says that if Dean gets him fired, he will "haunt their family for the rest of their lives."

On the video, Melchiorre says: If she got me fired for saying that word, and I'm out of the school after 16 years, I would haunt your family for the rest of your life.

Dean expressed shock and dismay, calling Melchiorre's behavior towards her daughter inappropriate.

"You threatened my kid. Like, the n-word was bad enough, sir," Dean said.

On video, Melchiorre says: I dare you to get me fired.

"We're talking about a 50 or something-year-old man talking to my 13-year-old daughter. Threatening her. Because you got out of line in class," Dean said.

WRAL News contacted Melchiorre, who stated there are "two sides to every story" but couldn't elaborate due to school policy.

The school district declined to comment on personnel matters or Melchiorre's employment status.

The recording reportedly continues with a further exchange between Melchiorre and Dean's daughter.

Melchiorre: Who do you think they really care about?

Student: And what if I say I am recording?

Melchiorre: Go ahead. Go ahead.

In the meantime, Dean is reportedly taking steps to increase security at her home.

"The whole situation was not something that I wanted to take lightly. At all," Dean said.

The school district has not confirmed whether Melchiorre has been removed from school grounds.

As of now, he remains listed in the school's staff directory.