About 30 teachers who attended the rally in DC last week are being ordered to report to a meeting where they may be fired.
Thirty teachers in Jefferson County, West Virginia attended the rally at the Capitol in Washington DC are being threatened with termination.
Jefferson County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bondy Shay Gibson sent a letter to the teachers and are ordered to report to a meeting on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, where disciplinary action, including termination, will be discussed. The teachers were encouraged to bring a representative with them and have been barred from Jefferson County School’s property or attend any school activity.
What’s disturbing is that it appears the superintendent is surveilling people she doesn’t agree with politically.
Gibson wrote in the letter:
“I was made aware that you took part in the Electoral College protest that erupted into deadly violence on January 6, 2021. I have reviewed disturbing videos and photographs posted that tagged you on a public social media page, which included threatening and demeaning statements regarding federal government officials.”
The letters went on to say, “I understand that many community members are upset by these images. Accordingly, I have determined that you are on administrative leave with pay effective immediately pending additional investigation.”
The letter went on to indicate that the employees should schedule a meeting Tuesday with Gibson and bring a representative as disciplinary action including “the termination of your employment” is possible.
The Jefferson County Republican Executive Committee responded to the letter in a written statement requesting the Board of Education immediately cease the violation of the constitutional rights of the Board of Education employees, students, and the citizens of Jefferson County.
Jefferson County Republican Executive Committee wrote:
“Statement of Jefferson County Republican Executive Committee Regarding Jefferson County Board of Education’s Illegal Actions Against Republican Employees
The Jefferson County Republican Executive Committee is aware of reports that multiple Jefferson County Board of Education employees have been disciplined and verbally threatened with termination for supporting President Trump. The employees attended President Trump’s speech on Wednesday. To our knowledge, none of the impacted employees have been accused of violating any laws and have denied taking part in any of the shocking acts perpetrated by a few criminal actors.
The threatening letter that Dr. Gibson sent to the impacted employees is a frightening attack on our liberties. The Constitution protects the right to free speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to freely associate. The Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld the right of public employees to exercise those rights and prohibits retaliation against employees for doing so. Dr. Gibson’s attack on those rights has placed the Board of Education at great financial and legal peril.
On behalf of all Jefferson County Republicans, the JCREC is requesting that the Board of Education immediately cease the violation of the Constitutional rights of the BOE’s employees, students, and the citizens of Jefferson County. We are further requesting that Dr. Gibson be suspended pending an investigation of her actions. Dr. Gibson is entitled to be a Democratic activist; however, if it is determined that Dr. Gibson has violated the law then she must be terminated from her position as Superintendent.
As a reminder to Dr. Gibson and the BOE, a strong majority of 15,033 Jefferson Countians voted to re-elect President Trump. While Dr. Gibson may not like this, the majority of the children whose education she oversees come from families who support our President.”
