SARAH GREEN: ARTIFACT 2 !

Ann Griffin, a white teacher at a mostly black school, stated that she "hated all black folks"

during a mild discussion with the principal and vice principal of the school. The principal and

vice principal just happen to be black males. Since the words she used during the altercation

spread around the school the incident cannot be ignored. Action needs to be taken although its

not always clear what is best.

The consequence that most comes to mind for Griffin is dismissal, which is what the

principal recommended. In a recent case, a student named Jamia Ware was verbally abused by

her teacher Timothy Olmstead. Olmstead directly made derogatory remarks to Ware having to do

with race. It was even mentioned that he made statements of the same nature to an entire class.

Once that sign of disrespect is shown it cannot be taken back or forgotten. As the principal

mentioned, there is now a concern of whether or not she has the ability to treat all students,

regardless of race, fairly. If Griffin is unable to control the need to speak racial slurs, perhaps she

should not be allowed in a classroom full of black students much less in a school that is

predominantly black. Griffin may be willing to resign so that a dismissal does not taint her

record.

Griffin could also be dismissed on grounds on insubordination (Underwood & Webb,

2006, p.70). She spoke those words directly to her superiors who are black. Many coworkers of

hers who heard the what she had said were very appalled, both black and white. It could be

difficult for her coworkers to work with her knowing how she feels about black coworkers and

most importantly black students, at this point all credibility has been lost. She may have created a

hostile work environment for herself, therefore it may be best she leaves the school.
SARAH GREEN: ARTIFACT 2 !2

On the other hand the principal must be very careful when considering dismissal. There

have been many cases in which a teacher sues on the basis of discrimination. This could very

well be a case to look into considering that the school and its staff are predominantly black. It

could be the beginning of a long court battle. The case of Jon Everhart vs. Prince George county

is a prime example of possible consequences if Griffin were to be dismissed. The jury can decide

that the decision was to extreme and that another approach could have been taken.

This would prove a perfect time to use the Falcon School District 49 case to make sure

that the school adequately responds to this incident as well as keeping very detailed reports

regarding any related instances. This case came about because of a schools failure to

appropriately respond to complaints of this nature. This decision would make it possible for

Griffin to keep her current job while her behavior and actions during school are closely

monitored to prevent any further infractions.

The ideal scenario is for Griffin to resign, that way she will be removed from the hostile

work environment she has created for herself. If she truly hated all black folks this is her

opportunity to work at a school that will best suit her. This does not mean that her views or

opinions are supported, although everyone has a right to their own opinion. The problem was

that she voiced her opinion in the wrong place at the wrong time.
SARAH GREEN: ARTIFACT 2 !3

References

Timothy Olmsted, St. Paul Teacher Accused Of Discriminating Against Black Students, Sees

Case Move To Federal Court (2012) Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

2012/08/07/ timothy-olmsted-st-paul-t_n_1749428.html

Underwood, J, Webb, L. D. (2006) School Law for Teachers: Concepts and Applications

The Untied States Department of Justice: Educational Opportunities Cases Retreived from http://

www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/07/timothy-olmsted-st-paul-t_n_1749428.html

Wiggins, O. (2014) White teacher wins $350,000 in Prince Georges schools bias lawsuit.

Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/jury-awards-former- prince-

georges-county-teacher-350000-over-retaliation-claim/

2014/08/08/6e2d50f6-1e73-11e4-82f9-2cd6fa8da5c4_story.html