Forsyth County

Educator fired days after social media post sparks outrage

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A local school employee is out of a job because of a controversial Facebook post about first lady Michelle Obama.%

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The Forsyth County School District confirmed Monday afternoon it fired Jane Wood Allen who worked at Chestatee Elementary School in Gainesville.

"I'm actually appalled," parent Kassie Siver told Channel 2’s Wendy Corona.

"I'm American and I think that what she said is out of line," parent Gregory Smith said.

Parents said they were stunned when they learned about the Facebook post on Allen’s personal page that she allegedly posted saying "This poor gorilla. How is she going to function in the real world, by not having all of her luxurious vacations paid for anymore?" in reference to first lady Michelle Obama.

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"It's absolutely racist," Siver said. "She's an African-American. You're comparing her to a gorilla. Two  and two. There you go."%

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No one from the Forsyth County School District would talk to Channel 2 Action News on camera, saying it's a personnel matter. But they did send a statement saying:

"Jane Wood Allen has been relieved from duty and is no longer an employee of Forsyth County Schools. Racism and discrimination are not tolerated in our school district. We are committed to ongoing staff training on the acceptance of all individuals."

Parents Corona spoke with say they understand freedom of speech, but say teachers have a higher standard.

"When it comes to representing a school, Chestatee Elementary, I think you need to really watch it because these kids are our future," Smith told Corona.

"If she's putting it on social media, she may be putting it in the classroom and that's not OK with me," Siver said.

Corona stopped by an address listed for Allen and knocked several times to get a comment for this story, but there was no answer.

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