Amazed at the number of people who seem to find this behavior acceptable (consensual or not). When you are entrusted to work with young people you SHOULD be held to a higher standard and use better judgement. Personally, as someone who has a child in the school and knows a lot of others in the school; I think RTHS took the correct action.
Story here: Former Teacher Now Faces Criminal Charges
The timing of the board meeting should make no difference in this case. He can be arrested/charged whenever the person breaks the law. They don’t have to wait until people come and voice their opinions about the matter. And, just because they hold a meeting which allows public participation, doesn’t mean they have to listen to the voice of the crowd; especially when an investigation holds facts of this weight. I’m also pretty sure they must hold these meetings in accordance with the open meetings act (a public meeting portion followed by executive session to deal w/personnel issues).
I couldn’t believe that even when they told the lady about the messages that it didn’t change her opinion. The police investigated, found that he sent explicit content to a minor which breaks the law and violates the school’s code of conduct. AND, he evidently lied about the messages when asked about them. What is there to talk about? The sexual orientation doesn’t matter in this case, and neither does the fact that it was consensual or not. He denies sending the messages, but I’m pretty sure they nail that down with near 100% accuracy with technology today.
I do find it hilarious that people think because the student involved may not be a model citizen that it somehow exempts them from the same legal protections/rights as others…