Artifact 2

Artifact 2 1
Artifact 2
Valerie Alvizo
EDU 210 Nevada School Law Summer 2016
College of Southern Nevada

Artifact 2 2
Teacher Ann Griffin has caused a stir in the peace of her school. A tenured teacher, at a
predominantly black high school, during a heated conversation with two administrators stated
that she hated all black folks. Negative reactions followed as word spread about the incident.
Principal Freddie Watts and Assistant Principal Jimmy Brothers, whom where present in the
conversation in which the incident occurred, now face a big decision. Watts has recommended
the dismissal of Ann Griffin based on concerns regarding her ability to treat students fairly and
her competency as a teacher. Watts now must make the best decision for his school.
Watts finds himself in a very difficult spot, should he decide to terminate Griffin from her
position as a teacher he must carefully take into consideration all the aspects of his decision.
Having a teacher say negative and racists remarks causes tensions within the school and if
teachers already know about the incident, it will not be long before the students catch wind of the
situation. Watts can dismiss Griffin, finding her unfit to properly teach and violating school
policy of racial remarks or acts of racism towards others. Like in the case of Jennifer OBrien
whom made a comment of her Black and Latino students being future criminals. Remarks like
those are unbecoming of a good educator, someone who can treat their students equally and
fairly.
This exact situation has happened before like in Anderson v. Evans, the teacher expressed
her hate towards blacks and just carried on like her statement was not as serious as it truly was.
In that case, the teacher was dismissed from her position for being unbecoming of a teacher
and not being capable of teaching students. Watts can take the same approach and remove
Griffin in the same matter. He should have the support of his Assistant Principal and of his
Superintendent, but under the circumstances it makes sense that Griffin is not in the right
capacity to teach.
Artifact 2 3
However, Watts can also choose not to dismiss Griffin and let the whole situation fizzle
out. He can choose to allow her to continue teaching in the school without any punishment in
regards to her remarks. But, if word of her racial comments gets out to students, it could cause a
hostile environment for students. Students may see that if a teacher could be racist, then racism is
allowed in the school. Like the situation that occurred in Monteiro v. Tempe Union High School
District, where a teacher taught a lesson on the book, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,
where the racial slur nigger is repeated various times, the students then found it acceptable to
say that and other racial slurs in the school.
Dismissing Griffin from the school would avoid all the trouble of having more race
incidents occur in the school. However, Watts must be sure that he is correct in terminating
Griffin. In Pickering v. the Board of Education, a teacher was dismissed for expressing
themselves through a commentary that was written to the newspaper. The teacher then fought the
dismissal as it was a violation of his first amendment right of freedom of speech. Watts must be
careful as Griffin can express her opinion (in this case her racial views) freely even within the
school. So, dismissing her could violate her freedom of expression or freedom of speech.
Personally, I believe that Watts has the authority and all the reason to dismiss Griffin
from her position. Someone who believes that racial slurs and racism is acceptable in the school
environment is not someone who should be there as a teacher and authority figure. Yes, she is
entitled to her opinion and she has the freedom to express herself as she likes, however she is an
employee to the school, where they are promoting a safe, peaceful and welcoming place to
everyone. She as an employee is representing the school. I would not want a teacher who has
views that cause a problem with students to be teaching in my school. It creates an environment
Artifact 2 4
where, as a student, you are not sure if you are being fairly treated and graded and if you are
receiving the adequate education you deserve.

Artifact 2 5
References
Anderson v. Evans, 79-1730 (United States Court of Appeals, sixth Circuit August 13, 1981).
Monteiro v. The Tempe Union High School District, 97-15511 (United States Court of Appeals,
Ninth Circuit October 19, 1998).
O'Brien v. State Operated School District of the City of Paterson,, 544-11 (December 12, 2011).
Pickering v. Board of Education of Township High School District 205, Will County, 510
(Supreme Court of United States 27 March, 1968).

Artifact 2

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Artifact 2

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Artifact 2

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Artifact 2 1

EDU 210 Nevada School Law Summer 2016

College of Southern Nevada

say that and other racial slurs in the school.

receiving the adequate education you deserve.

You might also like