BRENTWOOD (CBSLA.com) — A Brentwood teacher accused of violating a student's civil rights by making racist comments is back in the classroom.

While teaching an eighth grade honors class, Steven Carmine allegedly said 18-year-old Michael Brown "got what he deserved" when he was shot and killed by a Ferguson, Missouri, police officer.

The parents of a mixed-race student at Paul Revere Charter School filed a suit that also alleging he used the n-word in class.

"I think it's just how he was reading from a book and the girl took offense," student Eva Buck said.

Carmine was removed from the classroom during the investigation.

More than 800 people signed a petition to support his reinstatement.

"Everyone loves him - he's Mr. C. He's a great guy. Again, dedicated, energetic," according to parent Heather Burows.