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Artifact 2: Teachers Rights and Responsibilities

Brittany Smith
Edu 210
Dr. Warby
July 18, 2016
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While in an intense conversation, Ann Griffin, a white teacher with tenure, with her

African American principle and assisted principle, Freddie Watts and Jimmy Brothers, Griffin

stated that she, hated all black folks. Griffins statement soon circulated the school causing a

undesirable response from both her black and white coworkers. Watts decided because the High

School consisted of mostly white students that it would be in the best interest of the students that

Griffin be dismissed of her teaching duties. He believed that based on her statement that she

would not be able to treat the students justly which would lead to the students not begin able to

fully take advantage of the education available to them.

According to the Fourteenth Amendment, if the dismissal of a teacher affects either a

property or a liberty right, due process must be provided (page64). Since Griffin has acquired

tenure she would not be able to be dismissed without due process. Due process guarantees a

teacher at least a right to a pre-disciplinary meeting whenever the proposed discipline will affect

the teachers property or liberty interest (page65). Griffin could argue that since she did not

repeat their conversation to anyone that Watts and Brothers leaked her statement so they could

use in getting her terminated.

All students regardless of their race, gender or religion are entitled to an education.

According to the case, DAVIS, as next friend of LaSHONDA D. v. MONROE COUNTY

BOARD OF EDUCATION et al., (1999), Davis argued that because her daughter was being

sexually harassed that she was not able to take advantage of the education being provided to her

which was entitled to her according to TitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentsof1972(TitleIX).

DaviswonhercasebecauseoftheTitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentsof1972(TitleIX)andthelack

ofacknowledgmentofthesituationfromtheschoolboard.Griffin saying, she hated all black folks

while employed at a high school where the students are predominantly African American will
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affect her attitude would hinder all her ability to teach objectively which therefore restricts the

students education.

Keeping Griffins statement in mind and Watts wanting to make peace among his

employees his recommendation for Griffins dismissal is understandable. Griffin incompetence is

more than enough reason for her dismissal. Her statement that she hated all black folks had

caused a negative reaction from her colleagues. Griffin would no longer be able to successfully

work with other teachers and her supervisors.

In conclusion, Griffin will not be dismissed without a right to due process. Though the

case against her is solid since her ability to effectively teach students and work with other

teachers and her supervisors has been stressed. At least she will be able to get her side of the

story out and hopefully not ruin her reputation as a teacher completely.