Unfair Teacher Suspension?

Question

An English teacher at my school was recently suspended when a tenth grade student chose to read a book the used profanity and included sexual references. The teacher physically handed the book to the student at the teacher's request, but the teacher did not force the student to read it. Students were able to choose any book they wished to read. The teacher also told the student that he was responsible for making sure it was ok with his parents. The parents complained and the teacher was suspended. Can the school do this? I could understand if the teacher was forcing the student to read it, or if she wouldn't let the student change books. But, it was the student's decision.

The teacher is in Pennsylvania. The book was not read out loud in class. Each student is reading his/her own book privately.

Answer 1

I am a Pennsylvanian My self and i heard about this else where. No the school can not do this IF she can prove that she said everything you said she said. A teacher at MY school was suspended because he was accused of making threats to another student. He had students back him up saying he didnt say this and the charges were droped against him and he was allowed back in school and he got paid for the time he was out.

Answer 2

Years ago I went to high school and we chose our books that the teacher chose and there was a bit of swearing as inOne Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest .No complaining parents then. Surely the student was not forced to read the book?If so then the teacher cant be sacked on this basis. At this age kids wont read books anyway.The student may not have read the book.

Answer 3

that really sucks. but i suppose the school didn't feel they could do much else. i mean, when parents make a complaint like that if the school isn't seen to be doing something then alot of other parents will probably kick off about it. that's not to say that what the school has done is right, but teachers have to be careful. i mean, if there's no evidence that she told him to ask his parent's permission then there is nothing to protect the teacher, and in this crazy world we live in today you can get in trouble/sued for almost anything.
if you think what's happened is wrong and you know you have all the facts then you could and the rest of the student body could protest against it? make a petition or something? the teacher will most likely be allowed back, the school is just doing this so that nobody can accuse them of being in the wrong...

Answer 4

I think the school is trying to cover their ***.

However, the teacher made the mistake of not trying to cover her *** as well. She should have alerted the parents that she was doing this or at the very least, the principal. That's crap, I know, but in this world, you need to take every step to make sure that you can't be held accountable for someone else's stupidity.

Where do you go to school, anyway? I've had to read books such as 'Like Water for Chocolate' and there is plenty of violence and sexual references in that.

Answer 5

I am a teacher too. At a university.

Your teacher was, at best, unwise, at worst, foolish. S/he should have used a little of the sense we all have.

I am a parent too (2 kids, 21 and 15). I would not like to think any teacher they have/had would give them material like that to read out loud in class. The world is full of great works of literature without having to resort to bad language or reference to sexual behaviour.

Answer 6

That's bull crap. I HAD to read a book in 8th grade that had a lot of swearing in it and no stupid parents complained. I don't know about weather or not they had the power to suspend the teacher, but i think that it's stupid.

Answer 7

i dont know what state you are from but in Florida most teachers belong to a union and there are so many steps that must be taken before a teacher loses their job. If I were the teacher I would get with a union rep if applicable ASAP!

Answer 8

yes, that is unfair.