Ethan Hooper, a middle school teacher in Orlando, Florida, is on leave after allegedly "using his students as political props" in videos he posted on TikTok, according to Orange County Public Schools.

One of the videos showed white students apparently "fanning [black classmates] and making them comfortable," according to one parent, which was done in honor of "Black History Month." The now-deleted videos went viral after they were reposted by "Libs of Tik Tok."

"It was in good fun," Hooper said. "There was no political agenda behind it. It's [the TikTok video] being maliciously used, and I am deeply apologetic toward the students and parents of those involved. I am also sorry to the students who weren't involved," Hooper said. "I want to be an example for them. If this does not match up with what they viewed [of me], I am truly sorry. My heart is for my students and the parents, first and foremost."

School superintendent Maria Vasquez accused Hooper of "using his students as political props."

"I am appalled at the behavior and judgment of the teacher who posted the inappropriate videos using his students as political props," Vazquez said. "This is not free speech — it is the exploitation of our students for political purposes, and it will not be tolerated in our school district."

Orange County Public School also issued a statement:

"Orange County Public Schools will not tolerate the use of our children as political pawns by anyone, including a classroom teacher. Any employee who creates videos or other content with students in an effort to exploit them for political purposes will be immediately removed from the classroom, placed on administrative leave, and swift action will be taken to terminate employment."

Some parents say they do not think Hooper did anything wrong.

"He did nothing wrong," one parent said. "It's so sad. My daughter said they were simply doing skits. I saw one of the videos, and it's nothing bad at all. She was in tears and said that's one of her favorite teachers that takes time and allows all students, no matter race or gender, to be themselves."

One of the students who appeared in the videos said that she and her classmates "all agreed to it," and that Hooper "didn't really do anything wrong."