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Running head: Portfolio Artifact #2 Brown 1

Taylor Brown
March 31, 2019
EDU 210
Portfolio Artifact #2
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After a heated argument between Freddie Watts, principal, Jimmy Brothers, assistant

principal (both of whom are African-American administrators who work at a predominantly

black high-school, and Ann Griffin, a white teacher protected under tenure; Ann stated that she

“hated all black folks.” Word spread quickly about her statement, and negative reactions from

both black and white colleagues arose. Principal Freddie Watts recommended dismissal of Ann

Griffin based on concerns that Ann’s ability to treat all students fairly, and her judgement and

competency as a teacher were now being questioned.

Jane Doe, a minor, by and through her Guardian Ad Litem, John Doe, Plaintiff, VS. Los

Angeles Unified School District (January 2016), will be the first case presented in favor of

Principal Freddie Watts request of dismissal of teacher Ann Griffin for her inability to treat all

students fairly, along with her judgement and competency as a teacher being questioned. In the

case of Jane Doe, VS, Los Angeles Unified School District, a young African-American female

student was transferred into an Honors History class taught by teacher, Steven Carnine. The

following allegations are being disputed by the defendant, however, Jane Doe claims that that

Carnine was “rude to her when she arrived and treated her differently from other students.” Jane

Doe made the following claim, near the beginning of class, Carnine said that “If you want to

know why Abraham Lincoln was hated as a president, it was because he was a N-I-*-*-E-R-

lover.” Jane Doe said this comment was made while leaning into her and saying, “Isn’t that right,

Jane Doe?” Carnine denied staring at the plaintiff. The court sided with the plaintiff on this case

stating that Doe could proceed with her claims of racial discrimination, freedom of speech and

equal protection. Jane Doe, VS, Los Angeles Unified School District sufficiently backs up

Principal Freddie Watt’s case for dismissal of teacher Ann Griffin based on potential violations

of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act that provides that no person: “Shall, on the ground of race,
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color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be

subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Ann Griffin has shown that she will not abide by the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by stating

that she “hates all black folk.” Therefore, she should be dismissed on grounds of discrimination

against students and faculty of color.

Brown, VS, Chicago Board of Education (2016), will be the second case presented in

favor or Principal Freddie Watt’s decision of dismissal of teacher Ann Griffin. In this case,

Lincoln Brown, a sixth-grade teacher gave an impromptu lesson on racial epithets during his

regular grammar lesson to his class. Brown was suspended for five days after he was using

verbally abusive language in front of his students. Brown appealed this decision to the Board,

and the Board agreed that a five-day suspension was indeed appropriate. Brown argued different

points, however, none of them held up in court and ultimately the judgement of the district court

was affirmed. This case serves as an example that words are hurtful, and they cannot be used on

school grounds, nor should they be used at all. A teacher was suspended for the use of a racial

slur to aide a lesson on the importance of not using words as such. Therefore, Principal Freddie

Watt’s decision for dismissal of teacher Ann Griffin is warranted. A teacher who discriminates

against people for the color of their skin should not be welcomed.

West Virginia State Board of Education, VS, Barnette (1943), this will be the first case

presented to argue that Principal Freddie Watt’s cannot dismiss teacher Ann Griffin on grounds

of concerns that Ann’s ability to treat all students fairly, and her judgement and competency as a

teacher were now being questioned. In the case, West Virginia State Board of Education, VS,

Barnette, several students and their parents who were members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses

argued a policy that was in place that stated if students didn’t participate in the Pledge of
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Allegiance, it would be considered an act of insubordination. A law was passed stating that

students had the right to not be coerced by school administrators into doing something that went

against their religion and violated their freedom of speech. Free speech in this case meant the

students had the right not to say something that made them uncomfortable or went against their

beliefs, such as reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. This case affirms that freedom of speech is

protected under a person’s first amendment rights. Therefore, teacher Ann Griffin was exercising

her rights when she spoke with Principal Freddie Watts and should not be fired for doing so.

The case of Tinker, Vs, Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969), the

Vietnam War was taking place. Students at Des Moines High-School in Iowa began wearing

black arm bands to protest the war that they saw as an unjust struggle. When the school

administrators learned of the students plans, they passed a rule banning the black arm bands from

the school and began disciplinary action for any students caught wearing them, including

suspension. The students then sued the school district. The courts sided with the students, and

Justice Abe Fortas said, “It can hardly be argued that either students or teachers shed their

constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate…” This case

affirms that freedom of speech is protected under the first amendment. The students were

exercising their rights to freedom of speech and expression, as well as teacher Ann Griffin was.

Therefore, Principal Watt’s does not have the right to dismiss Griffin from her teaching position

based on her expressing her rights.

In conclusion, my decision in this case is in favor of Principal Freddie Watt’s

recommended dismissal of teacher Ann Griffin based on her inability to not discriminate against

students or faculty under the cases of, Jane Doe, VS, Los Angeles Unified School District

(January 2016) and Brown, VS, Chicago Board of Education (2016). Teacher Ann Griffin
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displays characteristics of someone who will potentially violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act

that provides that no person: “Shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded

from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any

program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Ann Griffin should be held

responsible for her inappropriate comment and no student or faculty member should be subjected

to her discrimination.
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References:

Free Speech Lawsuits Involving Public Schools - FindLaw. (n.d.). Retrieved April 1, 2019, from

https://education.findlaw.com/student-rights/free-speech-lawsuits-involving-public-schools.html

FindACase | Doe v. Los Angeles Unified School District. (2016, November 16). Retrieved April

1, 2019, from

http://ca.findacase.com/research/wfrmDocViewer.aspx/xq/fac.20170424_0003192.CCA.htm/qx

Jane doe v. los Angeles Unified School District et al. (2017, November 17). Retrieved April 1,

2019, from

https://www.docketbird.com/court-cases/Jane-doe-v-los-Angeles-Unified-School-District-et-

al/cacd-2:2016-cv-00305

United States District Court. (2016, May 16). Retrieved April 1, 2019, from

https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Doe-Settlement
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