A controversy has erupted at Beverly Hills High School involving a teacher's dismissal allegedly linked to her political expressions on social media.
The Times Of India reported that Joanie Garratt worked as a substitute AP US History teacher at Beverly Hills High School. She alleges her dismissal was directly linked to her public disapproval of former President Donald Trump and his supporters' actions within the school.
Following the 2020 presidential election, a rally at the school became a flashpoint. Garratt expressed outrage over what she perceived as aggressive behavior from pro-Trump students toward their peers. This incident, she claims, led to her losing her teaching position.
The rally saw students waving Trump flags and allegedly harassing members of the Black Student Union.
Garratt took to social media to decry the incident, referring to Trump as “His Majesty, King Trump” and blaming his rhetoric for the students' behavior.
Shortly after the rally, Garratt received a call from a district administrator informing her of her termination.
Her posts had not gone unnoticed, sparking a debate about free speech and political bias in educational settings.
Garratt's attorney argues that her comments, made on a private social media account, are protected under the First Amendment and California labor laws. They insist that her dismissal was unjust and a violation of her right to free expression.
However, Superintendent Michael Bregy presents a different narrative. He claims Garratt had not been formally dismissed but had retired years before and was only filling in as a substitute teacher.
He stated, “No action was taken to dismiss her or any other employee in the last month.”
Bregy also emphasized the district's commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment, distancing the administration from the controversy surrounding Garratt's claims.
Meanwhile, online footage of the rally shows students knocking on the door of the classroom where the Black Student Union was meeting, attempting to enter, which Garratt cites as part of a pattern of harassment aimed at minority students.
While Garratt did not discuss the election in her classroom, she has found support from many colleagues and students who believe her dismissal was unjust and politically motivated.
Garratt's case has sparked a larger discussion on the balance between free speech and professional conduct in educational settings. She has been vocal about the chilling effect such incidents could have on educators, stating, “Teachers feel muzzled.”
“I am ashamed to be an American,” Garratt expressed in her Facebook post, highlighting her disillusionment with the current political climate and its impact on educational settings.