1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. They were emboldened by President Donald Trump, who urged them to head to Capitol during a rally near the White House. Raub Middle School teacher Jason Mooreheads social media posts from the Jan. 6 rally for former President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., began circulating in Allentown on the afternoon when the world watched in horror as protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol. Teachers union President Mark Leibold did not respond to multiple messages seeking comment. 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. 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. 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. Allentown School District said in a letter Jan. 8 that it was investigating the teachers presence at the event but did not name him or the school where he worked. Doing my civic duty, he commented. Moorehead says he was never closer than a mile away from the Capitol building that day and didnt realize the violence that occurred until after he had left. The uproar was enough for Allentown School District to suspend him with pay while it investigated his involvement in the days events. The Allentown School District is facing a legal battle after it alleged a teacher took part in the Capitol riots of January 6th. "I'm being fired for refusing to come to a place that is unsafe, a situation you guys created. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. District officials have not disclosed whether the suspended teacher was among those who breached the Capitol building. Venturing into highly polarized politics of racial justice also cost a middle school teacher in Georgia her job after she wrote a racist social media post about a Black Lives Matter demonstration during a local Halloween parade. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. 2023 WWB Holdings, LLC. 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. Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, and Ashli Babbit, a Trump supporter from San Diego, died from injuries sustained during the riot,CNN reported. Some calling in were passionate that the district was in the wrong. Feb 3, 2021 Jason Moorehead, an Allentown teacher, is requesting a apology from the Allentown school district. ", First published on July 29, 2022 / 8:15 PM. He urged staffers to "think carefully" about the information they share online, noting it could affect students and community members. More dry than wet overall, but still cool and unsettled. Success! The FBI, looking to identify others involved in the riots, hasset up a tips webpage. The Georgia appeals court reasoned that her post interfered with the operation of the middle school where she taught.. "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. And did the speech affect the operation of the government agency? The uproar was enough for Allentown School District to suspend him with pay while it investigated his involvement in the days events. "And so there's never been a single thing that that that has ever been accused about me. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Asked what he was trying to convey with the posts, Moorehead said during a CNN interview on Jan. 23 that he was not mocking Black Lives Matter or antifa. Allentown Teacher Suspended He said his address and phone number have been posted online. No, period, he said. Morning Call reporter Peter Hall can be reached at 610-820-6581 or peter.hall@mcall.com. 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. The teacher has been relieved of his duties until the investigation plays out, Superintendent Thomas Parker wrotein a letterThursday evening. He and his lawyer speak with CNN's Michael Smerconish. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. He also claimed the board colluded with community groups to attack his character, being called a racist and a white supremacist. "Because he's a white Christian, conservative male, they politically assassinated him and destroyed his career," he said. All rights reserved. Have a news tip? He also wrote a comment that read "wrong on so many levels, but hilarious" on another controversial meme. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. Mr. Pa. teacher suspended after Jan. 6 fired for not working - ABC27 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Allentown Teacher Suspended For Being Near U.S. Capitol During Riots! Teacher suspended after Jan. 6 fired for not working. 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. 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.. Was the Allentown teacher suspended after attending I never wanted to leave, Moorehead said. Period," he said. He is currently under a paid suspension as Schools cannot discriminate against you based on your sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Moorehead said he longs to be back in the classroom. Moorehead had the opportunity to return to work for well over a year and chose not to do so.. "It was singling me out that my mere presence at a political rally was somehow tied to racism," he said. In 1977, the court ruled that the First and 14th Amendments do not provide blanket protection in the case of a teacher who had argued with co-workers and cursed at students. 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. 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., 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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.. The school board's legal council says the investigation is still ongoing. Ive had thousands of great relationships with students and parents.. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. For example, a teacher cannot ask to search a bag that looks weird and bulgy for drugs based only on the look of the bag. At the same time, the district has an obligation to respect the First Amendment rights of our staff and students. Supporters of President Donald Trump on the National Mall. Im shocked that this happened and Im scared about my future.. The proper thing would be a full apology, Malofiy said. Dr. Rick Saccone, a former Pennsylvania state representative and adjunct professor, submitted his resignation to St. Vincent College after he posted a video from the Capitol, FOX 43 in York, Pa., reported. There was an error processing your request. 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. Allentown School District board of school directors voted Thursday to fire Jason Moorehead, who was a middle school social studies teacher at the Allentown School District. 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. "You can have your job back. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Market data provided by Factset. 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 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. 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The unnamed educator was among a number of people who have reportedly been fired or asked to resign from jobs after being identified as a Capitol rioter, The Morning Call in Allentown reported. In one, he stood before a sea of Trump banners wearing a Make America Great Again hat and carrying a Revolutionary War flag. But images he posted on social media quickly made the rounds, and on Jan. 8 he was placed on paid suspension by the district. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. Teacher "Mr. Moorehead had the opportunity to return to work for well over a year and chose not to do so. A mob of pro-Trump extremistsstormed the CapitolWednesday in an attempt todisrupt Congress from certifying the Electoral College results. ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) - A Pennsylvania high school teacher has been charged with having sex with a minor female student he began tutoring earlier this year. "@properties does not condone violence, destruction or illegal activities," a statement from the company said after explaining she acknowledged she took part in the riot. Capitol rioting: Trump, McEnany condemn storming of Congress. Pennsylvania middle school teacher rightfully suspended over possible Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Mr. I was never any closer than a mile from the riot that happened, which I didnt know about until much later. Check out these great suggestions. Looking for something special to get your mom for Mothers Day? Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. "I love working in that school. 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 "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. "Is this the kind of person that we want in our school district spending time with our children and influencing minds and hearts?" Moorehead, who has been teaching at the district for 17 years, appeared on Michael Smerconishs morning show on CNN Saturday with Malofiy. ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) A Pennsylvania teacher who was suspended last year during an investigation into his attendance at, and social media posts about, the That didn't stop people from sharing their opinions of Moorehead during the public comment section of the meeting. He took a few photos showing he was there. Moorehead, a social studies teacher at Raub Middle School in the Allentown School District, has gained national attention. Thousands of people are there, and only a few are doing the rioting and destruction. The school board fired Pickering, saying that his letter was rife with inaccuracies and its publication was detrimental to the school district. Joseph Fling Jr., 77, of Hatboro, is charged in the September crash that killed Angela Yowakim, a 25-year-old teacher's assistant at Dieruff High School in Allentown. PhillyVoice Staff. 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. Perry Zirkel, a retired Lehigh University professor and expert in education law, said a school district would be unable to justify terminating a teacher on the basis of endorsing a political candidate, even one as controversial as Trump, who is facing impeachment for a second time for inciting his followers to storm the Capitol. Teacher suspended for attending Capitol 'Stop Allentown School District teacher accused of being at January 6th said community member Enid Santiago. 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. When asked if he broke any laws, Moorehead was clear. Allentown School District relieves teacher who attended Trump Asked what he was trying to convey with the posts, Moorehead said he was not mocking Black Lives Matter or antifa. Moorehead never returned to work and he indicated he had no intention of returning, Freund told lehighvalleylive.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. I dont know how I can get that reputation back, Moorehead said in a telephone interview Saturday. Morning Call reporter Sarah M. Wojcik can be reached at 610-778-2283 or swojcik@mcall.com. Mr. 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. Other people reportedly have lost their jobs because of their involvement in the riot. Three others, including Benjamin Philips, 50, of Ringtown Pennsylvania, died of apparent medical emergencies during the chaos. 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. Moorehead claims the district called him an active participant in the riots, but that they they knew he was never part of it. His attorney said in a Jan. 23 telephone interview, Mooreheads participation in the Trump rally challenging the presidential election results that preceded the attempted insurrection is protected by the First Amendment. 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. 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. Our journalism needs your support. Moorehead, a social studies teacher at Raub Middle School in the Allentown School District, has gained national attention. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. ALLENTOWN, Pa. - An Allentown middle school teacher who was placed on leave after attending a Trump rally in Washington D.C. on January 6 is n. He told the school board Thursday night he went to Washington to hear some speeches, but I was never a part of any violence. This 13-year-old is headed to medical school a year after - Error! Mostly cloudy, brisk, and unseasonably cool with a few scattered showers. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), My reputation and character have been destroyed: Allentown School District teacher suspended for attending protests says lawsuit is inevitable, Browse political cartoons for the week of May 1, Bill White: What should have happened with Tucker Carlson, Your View: Homeownership remains a dream only for many people of color, Your View: Parental rights groups have forgotten their lessons on civility and respect, a 50-year-old Pennsylvania man and ardent Trump supporter who suffered a medical emergency, A retired firefighter from Chester County is charged with assaulting officers after authorities say he hurled a fire extinguisher at police, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. The intrusion prompted lawmakers and Vice President Mike Pence to flee for safety. Period.. Teacher Suspended After Jan. 6 Fired for Not Working. "I have some conservative values," 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. The court ruled that the questionnaire disrupted the office and dealt with office politics and not matters of public concern. The reaction fell on both sides, some saying it was his First Amendment right to attend a rally, others saying being a teacher usurped that right. Shame on you. 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. All Rights Reserved. The Allentown School District has 22 schools and more than 16,000 students enrolled, according to theFuture Ready PA Index. ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Jason Moorehead has been the center of controversy ever since Facebook posts of him in Washington D.C. on Jan. 6 surfaced. Moorehead said he was offered his job back under the condition he undergo racial sensitivity training. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The FBI has arrested more than 100 associated with the siege so far, and many companies have taken to Twitter to confirm the firing of their involved employees. WebA student at Dieruff High School in Allentown who had been suspended will now face charges in connection with a teacher's fall from the gym's bleachers last week. Lawmakers gathered again Wednesday night and certifiedJoe Biden's victoryearly Thursday morning. Assistant principal kills himself at Placentia middle school, officials Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. When the investigation was complete Mr. Moorehead was invited to return to teaching. In a few cases, protesters have lost jobs even if they did not take part in the violent rioting. Parker and School Board President 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 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.. Pennsylvania social studies teacher Jason Moorehead was suspended for attending the protest. But those freedoms are not absolute, and over the years, the U.S. Supreme Court has established that government bodies such as school districts may fire employees for what they say if it gets in the way of the agencys mission. He appealed under the First and 14th Amendments and was reinstated when the Supreme Court ruled the inaccuracies in the letter were not malicious and did not interfere with the districts operations. Instead theyre trying to figure out what to do now and its double down, dig in the heels.. 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. 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. The Allentown School District will conduct a formal investigation into the role that one of its teachers played in the U.S. Capitol riot.