Running head: RIGHTS AND RESPONIBILITIES 1

Teachers Rights and Responsibilities

Esmeralda Lopez

College of Southern Nevada

September 9, 2017
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Teachers Rights and Responsibilities

Anna Griffin v. School is what we are looking at to understands teacher’s responsibilities

and rights. The school demographics were a majority of African American students. To what end

will anna’s rights protects her. School wants to dismiss for her comment “hated all black folks”.

The administrators are worried that her comment will affect her teaching skills. After her

statement was leaked it caused negative reaction among her colleagues.

The rule of its school administrator can be difficult. They must ensure that all students are

receiving a good education. Also, that staff are providing the need of the students. If a teacher’s

personal life or anything else effect the school place then the administrators are responsible for

making the changes need to be able to provide a well-rounded education to their students. The

process of this is very tricky especially when it involves a teacher with tenure. Due processing is

the procure for dismissing somebody which could be very costly for the school district.

Teachers have the freedom of speech, but it will not protect them. If the speech would

significantly undermine the teacher’s ability to perform her duties then it is just caused for

disciplinary actions. If the students do not have any type of respect for the teacher they could not

get a proper education.

Even though her comments were questionable and uncalled for she has certain rights that

can protect her. Such as the freedom of speech or expression. The freedom of speech allows a

person to speak their opinions. She is also a tenure teacher which will be factor in to whatever a

judge or administrators decides. A tenure teacher is a teacher who have dedicated a certain

amount of years to receive tenure and earn seniority.

In the case pickering v. board of education the supreme court found the school had

violated teacher’s rights to free speech (pickering, 2006). When the teacher speaks on matters of
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public concern it falls into the First Amendment. If the school cannot present evidence that the

teachers speech disrupted school operations then they are protected under the First Amendment.

Teachers with tenure have a specific process on how thing are dealt with. If there is a problem

the school must go through due processing to make any decision.

In conclusion both sides have a sound argument to present. I believe that the court will

decide in favor of the teacher. Although, the comment was not appropriate. It could be argued

that it was said in the heat of the moment. She does have a right to have her own opinion and to

her beliefs. Nevertheless, her actions were not appropriate to many people she still is protected

by the United Constitution.

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References

Underwood, J., & Webb, L. (2006). School Law for Teachers: Concepts and Applications. New

Jersey: Johnston, Jeffery W

PICKERING v. BOARD OF EDUCATION, (1968) No. 510 (n.d.). Retrieved September 9, 2017

http://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/391/563.html