In one, he stood before a sea of Trump banners wearing a Make America Great Again hat and carrying a Revolutionary War flag. Ive been bullied and I dont want my family, my co-workers, my students to feel they shouldnt defend their First Amendment protections.. The school board's legal council says the investigation is still ongoing. And I, I wanted to make how the media looked at different protests differently," he said. The teacher has sued for defamation and the civil lawsuit puts the spotlight on the hot-button issue of politics and the workplace. 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. 2023 WWB Holdings, LLC. Morning Call reporter Peter Hall can be reached at 610-820-6581 or peter.hall@mcall.com. 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. We talk about diversity of people but we have forgotten about diversity of speech and opinion, Malofiy said. 0:45 One day after the deadly insurrection in Washington, a Pennsylvania school district announced it was suspending a teacher who, the district asserted, was This 13-year-old is headed to medical school a year after - 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. No, period, he said. Federal officials have been charging and arresting people in Pennsylvania and around the country for their alleged roles in breaching the building, damaging or stealing property inside and attacking law enforcement. Careless words have cost at least one teacher her job locally. Let us know. The best states in the country excel in areas such as economy, fiscal stability and opportunity. 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.. A Bucks County teacher who called her students utterly loathsome and frightfully dim in her online blog lost her appeal to the First Amendment after her district fired her. That the initial statement from Allentown Superintendent Thomas Parker placed the staff member directly at the United States Capitol Building, and that the district has not corrected this association, amounts to grounds for a defamation lawsuit, Malofiy argued. Add Hannah's RSS feed to your feed reader 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 In 2015, a federal appeals court ruled that former Central Bucks High School East teacher Natalie Monroes comments caused enough of a disruption in the classroom and her ability to perform her job because numerous parents told the district they didnt want her to teach their children that it outweighed her First Amendment claim. "We understand that many members of our community are upset by the image," the letter said. Like us on Facebook: PhillyVoice In 1964, Illinois school teacher Marvin Pickering wrote a letter to his local newspaper critical of the administrations spending on instruction and athletics. "Is this the kind of person that we want in our school district spending time with our children and influencing minds and hearts?" Russia missile attack on Ukraine injures 34, damages homes, May Day: Worlds workers rally, France sees pension anger, FDIC recommends raising insured deposit limit for businesses, What the Tech? They could face penalties ranging from fines to prison time. He took a few photos showing he was there. They were emboldened by President Donald Trump, who urged them to head to Capitol during a rally near the White House. Chicagoreal estate agent, Libby Andrews, was also fired after posting on social media from the Capitol, her former employer announced. "I'm being fired for refusing to come to a place that is unsafe, a situation you guys created. 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). No," he said. The Supreme Court is really looking at not just what the speech is, but the impact. Feb 3, 2021 Jason Moorehead, an Allentown teacher, is requesting a apology from the Allentown school district. All Rights Reserved. A Pennsylvaniateacher was suspended this week after taking part in Wednesdays riot at the U.S. Capitol, pending an investigation, the Allentown School District said, according to a report. ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Jason Moorehead has been the center of controversy ever since Facebook posts of him in Washington D.C. on Jan. 6 surfaced. So long as you admit you're a racist, and take classes to correct yourself. 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. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. At the same time, the district has an obligation to respect the First Amendment rights of our staff and students., Moorehead posted a picture of himself wearing a Make America Great Again hat and carrying a Revolutionary War flag on Facebook with the caption Doing my civic duty. He also shared a tweet by someone else that said, Dont worry everyone the capitol is insured, to which Moorehead added This.. Youve made it impossible for me to return. Until the district completes the investigation and makes a decision on his status, the teacher is still receiving pay and benefits. A woman was fatally shot during Wednesdays riot, a Capitol Police officer later died of injuries suffered in the unrest and three others died of medical emergencies, police said. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "Now, when you're a government employer, the law says that you have a right to first amendment right to freedom of speech, very different than in private sector," he said. Mostly cloudy, brisk, and unseasonably cool with a few scattered showers. He and his lawyer speak with CNN's Michael Smerconish. He maintains his trip to Washington to hear the former president speak was nothing more and denied involvement in the siege. 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. When asked if he broke any laws, Moorehead was clear. Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. Jason Moorehead said he was never at the Capitol when the violence erupted and only attended Trump's speech about a mile away. Francis Malofiy represents Moorehead in his defamation suit against the district and alleges Moorehead was fired because of his support of the former president. Why First Republic failed. The driver who struck and killed an Allentown teacher's aide outside a city high school in September will face charges, according to a report from WFMZ. Friday morning, Freund said the investigation is not yet complete. He taught for 18 years as a social studies teacher at Raub Middle School. Schools cannot discriminate against you based on your sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Our journalism needs your support. WebThe Allentown Police Department will host the city's first Youth Academy as part of its ongoing plans to increase outreach into the Allentown School District. Moorehead said he was never at the Capitol when the violence erupted and only attended Trump's speech about a mile away. Moorehead said teaching in the school district is the only job he has ever had, and he considers himself more than a teacher, leading clubs and coaching sports. "We ask the same of our students and families.". "After numerous complaints the school district conducted an investigation of the extent of Mr. Moorehead's involvement in the events of January 6th. "There is no agenda item related to action on any employee at this board meeting," said District Superintendent Thomas Parker atThursday's school board meeting. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Allentown Teacher Suspended For Being Near U.S. Capitol During Riots! All rights reserved. The Allentown school board voted unanimously Thursday night to fire a Raub Middle School teacher who was suspended after posting pictures of himself on social Teacher suspended after Jan. 6 fired for not working. The uproar was enough for Allentown School District to suspend him with pay while it investigated his involvement in the days events. I met my wife there. He is currently under a paid suspension as the district investigates his involvement on that day. 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.'. 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. State finances are in pretty good shape but that could change depending on the trajectory of the national economy. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. A lawyer representing the Allentown School District said he hasn't yet seen the lawsuit so he couldn't comment. We understand that many members of our community are upset by the image, the letter states. ALLENTOWN, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- The Allentown School District is facing a legal battle after it alleged a teacher took part in the Capitol riots of January 6th. In another, he stood in front of a hot dog cart waiting for lunch during (what CNN will hopefully call) a mostly peaceful protest while at the Capital.. 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 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 believe that all individuals have the right to an opinion, but when beliefs and opinions devolve into illegal and violent activities, there will be no tolerance," the college said in a statement. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. ALLENTOWN A Pennsylvania teacher who was suspended last year during an investigation into his attendance at, and social media posts about, the Stop Error! Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, and Ashli Babbit, a Trump supporter from San Diego, died from injuries sustained during the riot,CNN reported. "And so there's never been a single thing that that that has ever been accused about me. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Moorehead claims the district called him an active participant in the riots, but that they they knew he was never part of it. 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. He explained his position on those posts to Action News: "There had been riots and protests, where they were excused away that the damage that was done was acceptable, because buildings and private businesses were insured. Im being fired for refusing to come to a place that is unsafe, a situation you guys created. The FBI, looking to identify others involved in the riots, hasset up a tips webpage. I dont know how I can get that reputation back, Moorehead said in a telephone interview Saturday. 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. "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. Parker and School Board President Sara Brace declined to provide additional details or identify the teacher, citing it as a personnel matter,TheAllentown Morning Callreported. 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. "Never within a mile of that place. Period," he said. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Mr. But images he posted on social media quickly made the rounds, and on Jan. 8 he was placed on paid suspension by the district. He urged staffers to "think carefully" about the information they share online, noting it could affect students and community members. said Christine Condon, who also participated in the meeting. The court further narrowed protection in 1983 in the case of a New Orleans assistant district attorney who circulated a questionnaire to co-workers asking their opinions on transfers, morale and supervisors in the office. 2976 days ago By "I have some conservative values," he said. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Freund wrote on Jan. 25, the reaction fomented by your clients photographs and postings (on social media on Jan. 6) was formidable, making temporary reassignment entirely justifiable.. A mob of pro-Trump extremistsstormed the CapitolWednesday in an attempt todisrupt Congress from certifying the Electoral College results. How to make sure your tax refund, other mail doesn't get stolen, CA: LATINO SPIRIT AWARD HONOREES CELEBRATED, RAW: FILE: 11,000+ MEMBERS OF WRITERS GUILD TO GO ON STRIKE, Cher splits from rumoured fianc Alexander AE Edwards, Ed Sheeran tells how he was comforted by Stormzy the day Jamal Edwards died, Noel Gallagher splits with rumoured new girlfriend Dorothea Gundtoft, Katy Perry to be replaced by big time stars on American Idol while she performs at King Charles coronation, Anna Wintour appears to confirm rumoured romance with Bill Nighy at Met Gala, CT: RESTAURANT PREPS FOR KING'S CORONATION, RAW: NY: MET GALA RED CARPET ARRIVALS (MORE), American Idol Top 8 Decided in Twist After Judges Song Contest (RECAP). Not everyone there is a rioter.. The Georgia appeals court reasoned that her post interfered with the operation of the middle school where she taught.. You dont know about the 18 years I spent of giving my life to this Raub community. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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.CAPITOL SIEGE. 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. He has never been charged with a crime. Market data provided by Factset. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, First Amendment scholars weigh in, Few leads, false alarms as search for Texas gunman drags on, Serena Williams reveals second pregnancy at Met Gala, At least 6 dead after dust storm causes crashes on Illinois highway, May Day: Worlds workers rally, France sees pension anger, a victim of cancel culture and that his reputation has been destroyed, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. WebA Pennsylvania teacher was suspended this week after taking part in Wednesdays riot at the U.S. Capitol, pending an investigation, the Allentown School District said, according or redistributed. District Solicitor John Freund told lehighvalleylive.com on Friday that Moorehead was initially suspended. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. 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. Joseph Fling Jr., 77, of Hatboro, is accused of careless driving and failing to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, in the Sept. 6 death of Angela Yowakim, the outlet reported 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 never returned to work and he indicated he had no intention of returning, Freund told lehighvalleylive.com. 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 ofits probe last year. Allentowns school board policy on freedom of speech outside of school echoes the precedent laid out in the courts, balancing those First Amendment freedoms with the interests of this district. School board President Nancy Wilt said the board would not comment on personnel matters as it waits for the investigation to conclude. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. That didn't stop people from sharing their opinions of Moorehead during the public comment section of the meeting. An employee at Navistar Direct Marketing, a printing company based in Maryland, was fired Thursday after a picture of him inside the Capitol wearing pro-Trump paraphernalia and his work badge went viral, the Washington Post reported. 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. The school board fired Pickering, saying that his letter was rife with inaccuracies and its publication was detrimental to the school district. A retired firefighter from Chester County is charged with assaulting officers after authorities say he hurled a fire extinguisher at police. 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. All rights reserved. The districts determination will come down to the delicate balance between an employees First Amendment rights and the schools judgment about what it considers acceptable behavior. Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. I was never any closer than a mile from the riot that happened, which I didnt know about until much later. Allentown School District board of school directors voted Thursday to fire Jason Moorehead, who was a middle school social studies teacher at the Allentown This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. 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 district said in a letter on Jan. 8.

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