A teacher in an Iowa district who has been criticised for discriminating against minorities says she regrets wearing blackface for a Halloween costume and that she didn't know it is offensive.

The Davenport school district has said its investigating teacher Megan Luloff , who wore the makeup for her costume when she attended an October 19 party unconnected to her job.

Her attorney said in a letter on Wednesday that Luloff had never heard the term blackface, didn't know its history or "how hurtful it is to all African-Americans". The letter also says Luloff regrets her actions.

A district spokesperson on Thursday would confirm only that Luloff remains employed.

The district is under state supervision because a disproportionate number of minority students have been identified for special education and subjected to discipline. 

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