District officials have not disclosed whether the suspended teacher was among those who breached the Capitol building. Thus, Zirkel said, courts use a three-part test to determine if a public employee is protected by the First Amendment: Was the expression part of the employees duties, or was it as a private citizen? More dry than wet overall, but still cool and unsettled. After the districts investigation was complete, he was given the opportunity to return to work, but would have been reassigned, Freund said. Moorehead has said he went to be a witness to a historic day and listen to then-President Donald Trump speak, and that he didnt know about the deadly riot until much later. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The notoriety has also cost him the trust and respect of students. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/26/2023). Rachel Carr was fired from her job as a driver for PennDOT after she posted in a local Facebook group about her frustration with school bus drivers in the area after one pulled out in front of her truck. In 1964, Illinois school teacher Marvin Pickering wrote a letter to his local newspaper critical of the administrations spending on instruction and athletics. Doing my civic duty, he commented. ", Bride killed in Folly Beach golf cart DUI crash, ESPN: Harper to return to lineup 159 days after Tommy John surgery, New details released about suspects charged in Evesham Township crash. I never wanted to leave, Moorehead said. A Pennsylvania teacher who was suspended last year during an investigation into his attendance at, and social media posts about, the Stop the Steal rally which later turned to a deadly insurrection on Jan. 6 has been fired for refusing to return to work. The district will not make any premature statements about any conclusions reached until the investigation is complete, and cannot allow the media attention available to the teacher to usurp the districts process, he said via email. We understand that many members of our community are upset by the image, the letter states. But he said didn't feel safe going back after the district failed to set the record straight that he wasn't part of the violence and not a racist. Chicagoreal estate agent, Libby Andrews, was also fired after posting on social media from the Capitol, her former employer announced. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Car crash involving rabbittransit bus injures multiple, Roundtable speaks on the State of Black Pennsylvania, Popular flour brand recalled due to Salmonella outbreak, Columbia Borough Police arrest suspect in April shooting, Ordained minister honored by York County Bar Association, Governor Shapiro signs historic breast cancer screening, Pennsylvania bill would prohibit sale of popular, Pennsylvania lawmaker pushes two bills focused on, abc27 to host 163rd District State House special, Senator proposes new name for state department, Bill on track to make Diwali a Pennsylvania state, Hersheys Russell sisters lead charge for Trojans, Penn State defensive tackle PJ Mustipher joining, Penn State long snapper Chris Stoll joins Seattle, Penn States Mitchell Tinsley signs with the Washington, Penn State safety Jonathan Sutherland signs with, 2023 NFL Draft tracker: Penn State Nittany Lions, Rabbittransit celebrates Rider Appreciation Week, Lancaster County holds 33rd Senior Games, Pennsylvania lawmakers called on to recognize Lenape, Lady Windermeres Fan at Oyster Mill Playhouse, Le Creuset just launched a dreamy new color for spring, Our fitness expert weighs in on this years top spring, York Co. woman, TV pioneer, celebrates 107th birthday, Car crash involving bus injures multiple people in, Columbia Boro. Legal Statement. I met my wife there. "I love working in that school. The FBI, looking to identify others involved in the riots, hasset up a tips webpage. The termination came because of the abandonment of his position, the solicitor said. ", First published on July 29, 2022 / 8:15 PM. "And there's so many issues that matter to me on both sides," he added. "Taking part in assembly is an important part of our rights, so my point is you have no right to violate his constitutional rights," said Nicholas Maxell, who also participated in the meeting. Because Carrs rant was of limited public importance but harmed the publics trust in PennDOTs ability to safely serve the public, her speech was not protected, the court ruled. He taught for 18 years as a social studies teacher at Raub Middle School. Was the employee speaking about an issue of public concern? A 2006 ruling in another case involving a prosecutor established that public employees are not protected when they speak in their official capacities. Market data provided by Factset. Five people died in the violence around the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, including a Capitol Police officer and a 50-year-old Pennsylvania man and ardent Trump supporter who suffered a medical emergency at the protests. Shapiro signs bill requiring insurers to cover preventive breast, ovarian cancer screenings for high-risk women at no cost, Kutztown Folk Festival announces event dates, new attractions, Pa. Senate votes to ban safe injection sites, RPA members: City Council stalls, votes down parking solutions, Reading City Council considers vacating part of Thorn Street for GoggleWorks, Berks County Trail Challenge encouraging people to get outside and improve their health and wellness, RAWA tanks back at normal levels, water conservation order lifted, Former Berks doctor to spend decades in prison for recording, assaulting underage victims, Chain serving 'quick and healthful' salads, stir-fry, desserts to open 1st Berks location, Stock market today: Global stocks mixed after bank failure, Hollywood writers, slamming 'gig economy,' to go on strike, Australian central bank hikes interest rate to 3.85%, Chinese electric vehicle brands expand to global markets, Qantas names chief financial officer Vanessa Hudson next CEO, Stock market today: Asia shares mixed on holiday mode trade. Moorehead said he had taken a bus trip to Washington on Jan. 6 to protest the certification of Electoral College votes and hear the president speak. We walked around the Washington Monument, tried to get closer to the White House, ate a hot dog and then went back to the bus.. Thousands of people are there, and only a few are doing the rioting and destruction. Libby Andrews, a Chicago-based real estate agent, was fired after her social media posts about storming the Capitol were identified by several people and sent to her employer. Moorehead claims the district called him an active participant in the riots, but that they they knew he was never part of it. All rights reserved. The Allentown School District has fired a teacher who was suspended after going to Washington, D.C. for the so-called Stop the Steal rally, which became a deadly insurrectionist riot that took over the capitol building. PhillyVoice Staff. Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, and Ashli Babbit, a Trump supporter from San Diego, died from injuries sustained during the riot,CNN reported. Looking for something special to get your mom for Mothers Day? Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. The attorney for an Allentown School District teacher suspended after school officials learned hed been in Washington, D.C., for the Jan. 6 protests said the The uproar was enough for Allentown School District to suspend him with pay while it investigated his involvement in the days events. Because of the emotion and controversy stirred by the events of January 6, 2021, the teacher has been temporarily relieved of his teaching duties until the School District can complete a formal investigation of his involvement," The Morning Call reported. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Check out these great suggestions. The Georgia appeals court reasoned that her post interfered with the operation of the middle school where she taught.. A lawyer representing the Allentown School District said he hasn't yet seen the lawsuit so he couldn't comment. The school board's legal council says the investigation is still ongoing. His termination was in no way connected to his activities on that date, the districts attorneys John E. Freund, III, and Brian J. Taylor said in a statement. Police arrest suspect in April shooting, McCarthy touts U.S.-Israeli ties on trip underscored, Candidates can cross-file in Pennsylvania Primaries, Suspected burglar found sweeping inside TN home, Al Da con abc27: Evento Trash Can to Treasure, White House estimates 20K Russians killed in Ukraine, Hunter Biden in court over child support payments, York County jury convicts man of third-degree murder, Pennsylvania State House forms Black-Jewish Caucus, Sen. Casey showcases federal funding in Perry County, Lancaster Police investigating shooting death, BestReviews.com - Top gifts to make everyone happy this spring, Surprise your mom with one of these Mothers Day, Mothers Day inspo: This foot massager has 20,000, Drew Barrymores Walmart collection is perfect for, Best Mothers Day gifts for the budding plant mom, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Hannah Kanik 2976 days ago By A Chicago real estate firm fired one of its agents after she posted a selfie to social media and made reference to storming the capitol, but the agent, Libby Andrews, told the Chicago Tribune that she had been unaware anything illegal was happening and never entered the building. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. He has never been charged with a crime. James Harden Dominates, Sixers Stun Celtics to Take 1-0 Series Lead, 7 Cars Involved in Crash, House Catches Fire in North Philly, Police ID 2 Persons of Interest in Triple Homicidein Philadelphia, This 28-Year-Old Pays $62 a Month to Live in a Dumpster He Built for $5,000 Take a Look Inside. Wisconsin Legislators to Consider Opioid Settlement Payout. He told the school board Thursday night he went to Washington to hear some speeches, but I was never a part of any violence. Moorehead said he had an impeccable record, and cared deeply for his students most of whom were minorities. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Moorehead was officially reinstated in July 2021, after the investigation found he had violated the districts social media policies, but not its outside activities policy. Parker and School Board President This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. While the First Amendment does not protect private-sector employees from being fired for what they say, government workers have legal recourse if they believe they have been wrongly terminated, Zirkel said. His termination was in no way connected to his activities on that date, the districts attorneys John E. Freund, III, and Brian J. Taylor said in a statement. Ive been bullied and I dont want my family, my co-workers, my students to feel they shouldnt defend their First Amendment protections.. I was never any closer than a mile from the riot that happened, which I didnt know about until much later. The district said previously Mooreheads social media posts about the events of Jan. 6, and not just his presence in Washington that day, were the focus of its probe last year. Have a news tip? President Donald Trump speaks at the "Stop The Steal" Rally on Jan. 6. He said he was never a part of the violence on Jan. 6, but that the school board painted him as an "active participant in the riots. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Im being fired for refusing to come to a place that is unsafe, a situation you guys created.. He said the false association with the deadly storming of the Capitol has forced him to delete his social media accounts, avoid answering the phone and keep curtains drawn at his house. His attorney Francis Malofiy said that despite a strongly worded letter to school administrators demanding an apology for the public statement placing Moorehead at the scene of the attempted insurrection, the school district has been silent. Participation in the demonstrations on Jan. 6 has brought professional consequences for some, mostly limited to those who stormed the Capitol building. Teachers union President Mark Leibold did not respond to multiple messages seeking comment. I was trying to highlight what I believe is the double standard that often exists in the media when theyre looking at two different events from two different political groups, he said. Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. Other people reportedly have lost their jobs because of their involvement in the riot. Why First Republic failed. I definitely have some conservative values and beliefs, but they have never taken part in what I do in the classroom, Moorehead said. One person, Jason Jenkins, even called out the district's investigation. FOX News contributors Dan Bongino and Sarah Sanders react to the day's events on 'Hannity'. Period.. Pennsylvania does not. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. I love the kids and great relationships with kids there," he said. ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) A Pennsylvania teacher who was suspended last year during an investigation into his attendance at, and social media posts about, the Stop the Steal rally which later turned to a deadly insurrection on Jan. 6 has been fired for refusing to return to work. I went down there to learn and observe, gain knowledge, Moorehead said. Utahs strong economy and business environment make it an attractive place, but experts and locals say that isnt all the Beehive State has to offer. or redistributed. The district would reasonably enforce a policy of suspensions and expulsions for willful defiance and other misconduct, not because its best for the person being Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. The after-school programs Ive done, the amount of summer school activities Ive done, the sports Ive done. ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Jason Moorehead has been the center of controversy ever since Facebook posts of him in Washington D.C. on Jan. 6 surfaced. Was the Allentown teacher suspended after, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Was the Allentown teacher suspended after attending Stop the Steal rally within his rights? Spokesman Chris Lilienthal of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, of which the Allentown Education Association is a member, declined to comment. Suspended Allentown teacher Michael C. Davis, accused of spanking an entire class and slapping a student and his mother, wont get his job back. Former Pennsylvania state representative Rick Saccone also referenced storming the capitol in a social media post that day, but told the Tribune-Review he didnt mean it literally and only went to Washington to peacefully protest and express grievances about the way the election was handled. He resigned from his position at Saint Vincent College that week, saying he didnt want all this terrible media kerfuffle to tarnish the school.. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. The Allentown School District has 22 schools and more than 16,000 students enrolled, according to theFuture Ready PA Index. Moorehead never returned to work and he indicated he had no intention of returning, Freund told lehighvalleylive.com. ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) A Pennsylvania teacher who was suspended last year during an investigation into his attendance at, and social media posts about, the Until the district completes the investigation and makes a decision on his status, the teacher is still receiving pay and benefits. Follow Hannah & PhillyVoice on Twitter: @hannah_kanik | @thePhillyVoice Texas attorney Paul Davis was fired or resigned from Goosehead Insurance after posting videos during the riot, The Houston Chronicle reported. State finances are in pretty good shape but that could change depending on the trajectory of the national economy. Malofiy said that after a seven-month investigation in conjunction with FBI, the district sent his client a letter that stated his presence at the rally did not violate school policy. The proper thing would be a full apology, Malofiy said. ", "When the district finally admitted to me privately that I had done nothing wrong and that I could return, they refused to let the community know that I am safe, to alleviate both their fears and my fears about returning," he said. He also claimed the board colluded with community groups to attack his character, being called a racist and a white supremacist. Moorehead had the opportunity to return to work for well over a year and chose not to do so., Speaking to the board Thursday, Moorehead said the board fed the community lies. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. At the same time, the district has an obligation to respect the First Amendment rights of our staff and students. And did the speech affect the operation of the government agency? Moorehead admitted to reposting what could be considered controversial memes and that he commented on one of rioters at the Capitol that read: 'don't worry everyone the capitol is insured.'. "Is this the kind of person that we want in our school district spending time with our children and influencing minds and hearts?" The Social Studies teachers controversial social media posts had drastic consequences. I was trying to highlight what I believe is the double standard that often exists in the media when theyre looking at two different events from two different political groups, he told Smerconish. Pennsylvania middle school teacher rightfully suspended over possible involvement in Capitol riots March 22, 2021 by Kavita Sundaram Photo by BBC Protesters break into and riot at the capitol. Carr argued that she had posted her rant as a private citizen, not as a PennDOT employee and that the safety of school bus drivers was a matter of public concern. Mostly cloudy, brisk, and unseasonably cool with a few scattered showers. Moorehead said that while he attended a rally for then-President Donald Trump in Washington that day, he was never closer than a mile from the Capitol building. On negative responses to his social media posts, Moorehead said he does believe that joining thousands to listen to the former president speak and form his own opinions is a civic duty. The only problem? In one, he stood before a sea of Trump banners wearing a Make America Great Again hat and carrying a Revolutionary War flag. He is currently under a paid suspension as Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.