Former Wake substitute teacher accused of offensive comments defends herself at school board meeting

Elizabeth Temple, of Smithfield, said the allegations against her were "not true" as she listed her work with the NAACP and "mostly African-American choruses and orchestras."

"I assisted Rev. William Barber with some concerns of the NAACP ... I joined the NAACP as a dues paying member. I attend Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. breakfasts and events each year," she said. "I created and taught music lessons on Black History Month every year."

After her public comments, the school board did not respond and called on the next public speaker, which is customary.

Nathan Byrd said when he arrived to music class at Rand Road Elementary School in Garner, he found a substitute teacher, Temple, who "basically targeted me," he said. "She said, 'If y'all keep doing what you're doing, you're going to go to jail'. So, I stood up in front of the class and I said, 'So, you're basically going to predict my future that hasn't even happened yet?'"

Nathan said he believed it was because of his appearance.

He also said that Temple brought up President Donald Trump, prompting him and other students to file a report with administrators.

Billy Byrd, Nathan's dad, said he shared the story on social media with the hopes to fight against discrimination he believes his son and other students faced.

"When racism hits your door, you only have two options," Byrd told WRAL News last year. "And for me personally, I think you can either open the door and let it come in and submit to the foolish behavior ... or, you can resist and fight back. In my position as a father, and as an African-American man, my position is to fight back."

Temple resigned as a substitute teacher with Wake County schools after the backlash, and her story attracted international media attention.