A former Beverly Hills Unified School District teacher, Joanie Garratt, has filed an administrative claim after alleging she was wrongfully terminated following a Facebook post criticizing President-elect Donald Trump. Garratt, an experienced teacher with over 30 years at the BHUSD, claims that her dismissal came shortly after she expressed dismay at a pro-Trump student demonstration that occurred at Beverly Hills High School, which allegedly involved harassment and the use of racial slurs against non-supporters and members of the Black Student Union. This information was detailed by civil rights attorney V. James DeSimone, reported by KTLA, and corroborated by FOX LA.
The incident, she wrote on Facebook, left some students truly upset & even crying only to be bullied later by their classmates. This emotional response of the students was witnessing the aftermath of the divisive election. According to an interview with Beverly Press, DeSimone maintains that Garratt's termination was unwarranted as she did not discuss the political issues or the rally in her classroom. "This decision contradicts BHUSD’s policy that personal beliefs or activities outside of work should not be grounds for disciplinary action unless they violate the law or policy", DeSimone stated, asserting that the post was within Garratt's rights to free speech.
Despite the allegations made by Garratt and her attorney, the school district has denied firing the veteran teacher. BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy insisted that Garratt had retired from full-time teaching and was currently a substitute teacher with the district. "BHUSD categorically denies the assertion that Ms. Joanie Garratt was terminated from her position," declared Bregy, as obtained by Beverly Press. The district emphasized its commitment to upholding an educational environment that respects all individuals and encourages constructive discussion.
The legal pursuit initiated by Garratt's claim might potentially pave the way for a lawsuit, wherein Garratt is seeking compensation for what she perceives as a violation of her First Amendment rights. As reported by KTLA, she alleges suffering emotional distress resulting in loss of sleep, among other injuries due to her dismissal. The claim purportedly includes an appeal for a reinstatement order and a demand for compensation amounting to at least $50,000.
Garrett and DeSimone appear ready to confront the district's stance, with DeSimone expressing a strong intention to fully vindicate Ms. Garratt's rights, as told to FOX LA.
