COBB COUNTY, Ga. — The Georgia State Board of Education has upheld its decision to fire a Cobb County teacher for reading a book.
The Cobb County Board of Education's decision to fire fifth-grade gifted educator Katie Linderle for reading a book about gender identity, “My Shadow is Purple,” to her class, the state board said Thursday. was approved unanimously.
Linderle, who worked at Dew West Elementary School, has been under suspicion for several months that she may have intentionally defied district policy by reading the book aloud to her class, violating Georgia's divisive concepts law. After much discussion, he was fired in August 2023. The law places limits on how elementary school teachers can discuss race and other topics in the classroom. Supporters, including Gov. Brian Kemp and other Republicans, argued that the law prohibits teaching “divisive concepts.”
In August, Cobb County School Board members voted 4-3 to accept the superintendent's recommendation to fire Linderle. She was on paid leave until the board made this decision.
Related: Cobb County Board of Education votes to fire 5th grade teacher over textbook issue
Linderle appealed the decision to the state board. According to state documents, the state agrees with the local board's position and calls Linderle's claims that the district's policy on defining controversial or sensitive topics is vague and undefined unfounded. Stated. Overall, the state board finds that, given previous board decisions and Georgia law precedent, violations of district policy are sufficient evidence to support the local board's decision to terminate Mr. Linderle. Stated.
The teacher's attorney, Craig Goodmark, previously told 11Alive that teachers across the state are refusing to accept the state's “conflict concept,” which requires parental consent before teaching anything divisive in the classroom. He said he has received little guidance on what is legal under the new law.
“It's impossible for a teacher to know what parents are thinking when they start a lesson,” Goodmark said. It's simply unfair, it's not right, and it's terrible for Georgia's education system.”
A spokesperson for the Cobb County School District said they are confident in the process that led to the difficult decision to part ways with the employee.
“We appreciate the opportunity for the State Board of Education to consider the situation in detail and confirm our district's actions after reviewing all available materials,” the spokesperson said. “We will continue to prioritize the safety and education of our students above all other considerations.”
Mike Tafelski, senior supervising attorney for the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), said he was not surprised by the state board's decision.
Related: Federal sex discrimination lawsuit filed against Cobb County School District
“This decision sends an alarming message to educators, students, and families across Georgia that just by teaching inclusion and acceptance, teachers are putting their jobs at risk,” Tafelski said. “We are witnessing this growing wave of censorship in Georgia and across the country, threatening public education and society.” our democracy. We will continue to defend educators like Ms. Linderle and pursue all legal options to ensure that all students have access to an inclusive education. ”
However, this lawsuit is not the only way to fight Linderle's termination. Earlier this month, Georgia educators, including Linderle, and the SPLC filed a federal lawsuit against the Cobb County School District.
The lawsuit alleges that the district's policy was used to unlawfully discipline students who mentioned LGBTQ+ and gender nonconforming individuals and their experiences in the classroom, resulting in a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. ing.
This is the first federal lawsuit challenging the state's classroom censorship policies, according to a release from the SPLC. It also comes at a time when other school districts in Georgia and across the country are removing controversial books from schools.
So even though Linderle's appeal was denied, the federal lawsuit could be another move to give Linderle what she wants. The lawsuit generally seeks an injunction to prevent the school district from enforcing policies that restricted Linderle's reading and led to her termination. It also seeks additional relief, including damages and her reinstatement.
Linderle's attorney, Craig Goodmark, previously told 11Alive in August that Linderle was still eligible to teach in the state and was fielding inquiries from interested school districts. Goodmark said Linderle is willing to do what it takes to ensure civil liberties and rights.
