Could a school legally terminate a teacher for publishing a novel that contains a lot of graphic violence?

Question

If a High School Teacher published a novel that contained a good deal of graphic violence could the school legally terminate him/her over it's content or would he/she have a solid case against them for wrongful termination?

Answer 1

Wrongful termination!!! SUE THE CRAP OUT'a THEM!!!

Answer 2

Unless the teacher is protected under tenure, which a number of states and school systems have done away with in the "public" sector then yes the teacher could be. Just because the action was done outside of school does NOT mean it does not reflect on the teacher, and thus effect the school. Remember the school in this case is an employer. An employeer generally has the right absent a contract or law to fire an employee for an action outside of work if it reflects on the employees standing or moral/ethical standards and that reflection would be a problem at work. In this case the novel reflects poorly on someone who is supposed to opposed violence, nurture and help children grow.

Answer 3

I have no legal ammo for this answer. I'm no lawyer. I would think that if it were written and published outside of the school there would be no legal grounds for dismissal. Especially if no students were involved in anyway. Lots of talented individuals in society have written violent stuff (or worse) and still have been contributing members of society.

Answer 4

Does the teacher have tenure? If so, unless the district has a written policy outlining acceptable off hours behavior probably not.

Answer 5

You can sue for anything you like. Welcome to the USA..

However, teachers have a contractual obligation.. It is a morality clause. They can be fired and rightfully. They would have a VERY difficult time getting their jobs back...

Answer 6

I don't know, but why didn't the teacher use a pen name to write under?

Answer 7

sue the entire state