A high school teacher in the US state of New Mexico who questioned why an African-American student was wearing a Santa Claus outfit has been put on paid administrative leave.

According to CBS News, students at a high school were invited to dress up as holiday characters last week. But when an African American student showed up dressed as Santa Claus, the teacher allegedly said: "Christopher, don't you know Santa Claus is white? Why are you wearing that?"

The school said the teacher had apologised to the family.

"This situation involves a teacher recently hired by Cleveland High who made - and admits he made - a stupid mistake. The remark was inappropriate and should not have been made," said a school official.