Little Seedlings Teacher Resigns After Racist Social Media Comment Draws Backlash

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A teacher at Little Seedlings Preschool and Kindergarten in Leonardtown, Carmel Chick, has resigned after a racist comment she posted on social media sparked criticism from community members and prompted a public response from First Saints Community Church.

The controversy began after Chick commented on a Facebook post about fights at North Point High School in Charles County.

Chick wrote “Usual suspects” alongside monkey emojis, prompting criticism from people who viewed the comment as a racist reference to those involved in the incident.

Screenshots of the comment were circulated on social media, where community members questioned Chick’s role working with young children at Little Seedlings, a preschool and kindergarten program operated by First Saints Community Church in Leonardtown.

One woman who publicly raised concerns about the post tagged First Saints Community Church in her social media post, which was later shared with church leadership.

First Saints initially acknowledged the controversy in a statement from Lead Pastor Chris Owens.

“An employee from our Little Seedlings Preschool recently made a blatantly racist comment on social media,” Owens wrote.

Owens said the church and preschool had come under “intense scrutiny” following the comment and emphasized that the congregation does not tolerate racism, sexism or other forms of discrimination.

“Let me be very clear: First Saints Community Church is committed to being a Christ-centered, safe, fully inclusive community,” Owens wrote. “Racism, sexism, or any kind of othering is something we do not excuse or tolerate.”

The church later announced that Chick was no longer employed by the preschool.

In a follow-up statement, First Saints said Chick had tendered her resignation and the church accepted it, effective immediately.

The church again described the social media comment as “blatantly racist” and said the incident was inconsistent with the standards expected of employees at Little Seedlings.

First Saints also made clear that Chick’s actions did not represent the preschool or congregation as a whole.

The woman who initially brought attention to the comment later posted an update saying she believed the church responded appropriately.

“I also want to be fair and make it clear that I do not believe the church should be blamed for one person’s actions,” she wrote. “What was posted was wrong, hurtful, and unacceptable, but the church did the right thing by taking it seriously and holding the person responsible.”

She added that she had wanted accountability rather than controversy and respected the church’s decision.

First Saints said Little Seedlings Preschool and Kindergarten will continue operating and reiterated its commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment for children.

Owens said the preschool has served families through the church for years and that its staff and leadership are expected to uphold standards consistent with the congregation’s values.

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