We have been following a disturbing trend of teachers, police officers, and other employees being disciplined or fired for conduct in their personal lives.
In this case, the Brownsville High School teacher merely participated in a pre-wedding ritual for many bridal parties. What is most striking is that she did not post the pictures herself but is being punished for her participation in a completely lawful activity. She will lose 30 days without pay.
Despite the clearly outrageous assault on the rights of association and privacy, Board member Stella Broadwater not only supports the decision but has publicly defended it. Member Nena Kaminsky added her support for the discipline, stating “Everybody has a right to do what they want on their own time, but once kids and parents see it on the Internet, it becomes the school district’s problem.” That is a curious rationale since it was a third party who posted the sexually suggestive picture. Since when did teachers sign on to having their personal lives monitored and governed by parents? That is a “right” that seems dependent on your only exercising it in a way to avoid any third party or observation.
This is an abuse of power that should be opposed by all of the teachers in Brownsville and beyond.