Teachers Rights and Responsibilities

Portfolio Artifact # 2
Crystal Morales
CSN

Teachers Rights and Responsibilities

2
Abstract

In this case three people are involved. Principal Freddie Watts, Assistant principal Jimmy
Brothers, and teacher Ann Griffin. The two principals were African Americans and the teacher
was a white American. The principal suggested dismissal for the teacher after making a racist
remark towards the African Americans. Ana Griffins after arguing with two school administrators
mentioned to them that she hated all black folks. This statement was enough to cause a
misjudgment within the African American and white American people. The following will
present the pro and con sides of each argument.
The assistant principals and teachers rights and responsibilities
The pro side on this side is protected speech. An example is Pickering v. Board of
Education case law where teachers do have the right to make critical public matters on public
concern. This favors Ana Griffin (Underwood, Webb, 2006, p. 48). The first amendment of the
United States Constitution states (Underwood, Webb, 2006), Congress shall make no law
abridging the freedom of speech (p. 48). Many may argue that the speech is disruptive what Ana
Griffin made.
The pro side on Principal Freddie Watts and Assistant Principal Jimmy Brothers is that
they found this speech made on behalf of Ana Griffin to be Disruptive. (Underwood, Webb,
2006), this means Even if expression is does involve a matter of public concern, it is still not
protected, and the teacher may still be disciplined based on that expression (p.49). These two
principals have the right to still discipline Ana Griffin on the racial statement she made towards
African Americans.

Teachers Rights and Responsibilities

3
Literature Review

The con side to this situation is that the public would view Ana Griffins actions as a
display of discrimination. This would not only makes her look bad with the whole school
administration, faculty, and staff but also with her students. (Underwood, Webb, 2006), the
school board has the authority to terminate contract on the grounds that violate board policy by
engaging in discriminatory conduct and making disparaging racial comments (p58-59). The
school board would be able to do this against Ana Griffins affecting more importantly now how
her students view her. Her students would not view her the same because they can be attacked of
racial comments at any time. The administration would argue the same thing. Since Ana Griffins
engaged discriminatory conduct with the school administration it is more likely she will engage
it with students in her classroom.
On behalf of Ana Griffins part another con side would be that she has limited freedom of
association. (Underwood, Webb, 2006) Freedom of association has been recognized as inherent
in the freedoms of speech, assembly, and petition (p.50). Her freedom of speech yet it says that it
is protected is really not all that protected. (Underwood, Webb, 2006), Generally, a school
district may not make an adverse employment decision as a result of a teachers exercise of the
constitutionally protected right to speech (p.48). (Underwood, Webb, 2006), The courts attempt
to balance the rights of the teacher against the harm caused to the school (p.48). It does not give
them the rights.
In conclusion the school administration and the teachers can both have their positive and
negative consequences. These two principals Freddie Watts and Jimmy Brothers are able to
report a teachers misconduct of discrimination against anyone. Ana Griffin a teacher can argue

Teachers Rights and Responsibilities

to the school administration reminding them of the first amendment and that she had the freedom
to speak her mind which comes down being freedom of speech.

Teachers Rights and Responsibilities

References

Underwood, J., & Webb, D. (2006). Teacher's Rights. In School Law for Teachers (pp. 47-62).
Upper Saddle, New Jersey: Jeffrey W. Johnson.