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EDU 210 Portfolio Artifact #2

Jessica Beasley
September 21, 2014
College of Southern Nevada

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Principal, Freddie Watts and assistant principal, Jimmy Brothers are
African-American administrators. They are assigned to a primarily black high
school. A white tenured teacher names Ann Griffin let out a controversial
statement during a heated argument between the two administrators. She
stated that she hated all black folks. As a result this caused negative
reactions among all colleagues. The principal suggested dismissal based on
apprehensions concerning her ability to treat students fairly. Her judgment
and competency as a teacher seemed a risk as well.
Based on concerns regarding her ability to treat students fairly as a
teacher, Ann Griffin should be dismissed. This statement peaks public
concern. In Fales v. Garst (8th Cir. 2001) a school principal did not violate the
First Amendment rights of three teachers who were forced to quit talking
about special needs students. But in subsequent appeals the court noted
that the speech resulted in disharmony among their co-workers.
So this case is relevant to that of the administrators and Ann Griffin.
The speech impairs discipline by superiors and harmony among coworkers.
R.A.V. v. City of St. Paul (1992) involved a hate speech. Kids burned a cross
in the front yard of an African Americans house. This person has resentment
on the base of race and color. Ann Griffin made racial statement.

Ann Griffin is protected under the constitutional right, Freedom of

Speech. In Belyeu v. Coosa County Board of Education (1993) a teachers
remarks were not disruptive. She publicly stated a cause for Black History.
She brought up awareness exclusively for African-Americans and not any
other race.
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Ann Griffin was using her freedom of speech that she is protected
under the Constitution. Just like case Texas v. Johnsons (1989). A man
burned an American flag in protest of city hall. He was not arrested for this
act. The Supreme Court agreed, ruling that he is constitutionally protected
even though it was offensive.
Ann Griffin believes that she should be protected under the 1st
Amendment. But the administrators believe that her abilities to treat
students fairly are a great cause of concern. Given this information it is only
justifiable that she become dismissed based that her judgment and
competency as a teachers overthrows her freedom of speech as a public
figure in a school setting.

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References
Belyeu v. Coosa County Bd. of Education, 998 F.2d 925 (11th Cir. 1993).
Fales v. Garst, 235 F.3d 1122 (8th Cir. 2001).
R.A.V. v. City of St. Paul, 505 U.S. 377 (1992)
Texas v. Johnson (1989)