COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A tribunal ruled on Monday that a Cobb County teacher should be allowed to keep her job after she read a book about gender norms to her gifted fifth-grade class.
The tribunal also believes the teacher was in violation of two of the three charges against her, willful neglect and any other good and sufficient Cause. The tribunal does not believe she was in violation of insubordination.
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Some parents were upset after Due West Elementary teacher Katie Rinderle read the book “My Shadow is Purple,” to her students. A book Rinderle says she bought at the school’s book fair. Rinderle has been on leave, since reading the book to her class, in March.
The Cobb County School District says Rinderle violated school policy and Georgia’s Divisive Concepts law. The superintendent recommended Rinderle’s termination. However, a three-member tribunal met last week and ruled on Monday that Rinderle should not be fired.
“I appreciate the tribunal’s consideration of my case and decision not to terminate me. However, I disagree that I’ve violated any policy and that finding remains unjust and punitive. The district has never provided adequate guidance on how I am supposed to know what is and what is not allowed in the classroom based on these vague policies. Prioritizing behaviors and attitudes rooted in bigotry and discrimination does not benefit students and undermines the quality of education and the duty of educators,” said Rinderle.
A tribunal ruled in Rinderle’s favor after hearing arguments over a span of two days. Channel 2 Action News reported last week about the tense moments behind the doors of the tribunal hearing.
The district says Rinderle violated school policy and Georgia’s divisive concepts law, when she read the book to her gifted students.
“This is not part of her curriculum this is not what we teach in 5th grade,” Due West Principal Cissi Kale said.
“This was a book that I purchased with my funds at the school’s book fair,” Rinderle said.
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Rinderle’s attorney called out the district, alleging a lack of transparency, particularly with the number of students the district says it interviewed.
“There’s no way for us to know that there’s four additional students. It’s just simply impossible that the district has insisted on giving us these redacted records.”
After the tribunal’s recommendation, it’s now up to the Cobb County School Board to adopt, reject or modify the decision. The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday.
Newell received the following statement from the school district on Tuesday.
“The District appreciates the work of the Tribunal Members and the Hearing Officer. The Board will review the Tribunal’s recommendation and looks forward to returning our entire focus on educating all of our talented students.”
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