N word

To start with this, I’m a deaf mom with a 15 years old hearing autistic son, and English is not my first language. I have been trying to raise my children to accept other people regardless of their race, gender identity, etc etc.

While growing up I understood that n word is offensive and never use the n word and have a lot of respect for all race. Yesterday I learned my son decided to mutter the n word in front of another African American student. From what I understood he heard someone else say it. I’m appalled that he choose to say it “just because”. He’s now currently facing 3 days out of school suspension. I just feel like that it’s not enough. He’s also facing disciplinary action at home as well. But I still don’t feel like it’s enough. I’m wanting to educate my son on why it’s very offensive and why he shouldn’t ever say it no matter if anyone else says it. He’s also going to apologize to the student when he returns to school. The point of this post is, I’m hoping that some parents of any race give me some guidance on how I can educate him. I feel like when I talk to him, he does not understand the severity of the word he choose to use.