A longtime Beverly Hills teacher has filed a lawsuit against the school district, claiming she was fired for anti-Trump posts on Facebook.
Joanie Garratt, who has been a teacher in the Beverly Hills Unified School District for more than 30 years and most recently served as a long-term substitute for Associated Press U.S. History, was arrested on Nov. 13, well before her scheduled final day on Dec. 5. I was fired on the day. Garratt’s attorney said in a news release.
After a Nov. 6 rally in support of President-elect Donald Trump at Beverly Hills High School, Garratt wrote on Facebook that Make America Great Again supporters “many other… “I am disappointed in the harassment and intimidation of non-supporters.” “They targeted MAGA students, especially classes with Black Student Union members, and shouted all kinds of racial slurs,” she said.
“Some students arrived at school really upset and crying, only to be bullied later by their classmates,” she wrote. “And don’t blame the administration for this. They’re dealing with it. This is coming from their leader, His Majesty King Trump.”
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Garratt’s attorney, V. James DeSimone, said in a statement that “Superintendent Matthew Horvath advised her in a brief phone call that her post led to her termination and provided no further explanation.” said.
“Garratt never once spoke in class about Trump, the election, or the pro-Trump student demonstrations. Her comments were made on her own time on her own Facebook account, and they were made on her own time, on her own Facebook account, and did not support the amendments to the U.S. Constitution. “This is a classic example of political speech protected under Title 1 of California’s Labor and Education Laws,” the release said.
“Joanie’s posts criticizing harassment at the rally and attributing the student’s actions to political rhetoric designed as part of Donald Trump’s re-election strategy are constitutionally protected speech,” DeSimone said. ” he added.
DeSimone argued that BHUSD has a policy that “personal beliefs or activities outside of work should not be grounds for disciplinary action unless they violate law or policy.”
“This post is entirely within Joanie’s free speech rights and does not violate any law or district policy. We intend to fully vindicate Ms. Garratt’s rights. , the filing of this administrative lawsuit is the first step in the legal journey to seek justice,” he said. ”
BHUSD Superintendent Michael Breggie said in a statement that the district “categorically denies the allegation that Joanie Garratt was removed from her position.”
“Ms. Garratt retired as a full-time teacher at BHUSD several years ago and continues to work as a substitute teacher in the district. No action was taken to terminate her or any other staff member last month.
“We remain focused on fostering an educational environment where students and staff are respected and valued,” the statement continues. “We encourage meaningful discussions that prioritize mutual understanding, respect, and accountability. BHUSD is dedicated to ensuring that our schools are spaces where all views are expressed thoughtfully and responsibly. We will continue to uphold our standards and policies.”
“We believe these facts shed light on this issue.”
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