The controversy stems from an alleged classroom discussion during student walkouts in January and February protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity.
"The teacher made a statement that if she knew that student was illegal, she would want them deported," said Sevgi Fernandez, founder and director of Together We Stand, an organization that advocates for victims of discrimination.
Fernandez said multiple students have since come forward with additional complaints about the teacher and have expressed concerns about her presence on campus. She argued that the district must do more to enforce its anti-discrimination policies.
"They have a policy -- they read it every time they have board meetings -- against discrimination. Against hate," Fernandez said. "Yet, when we are faced with these issues, it doesn't seem that appropriate action is being taken."
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The district did not respond to a request for comment. However, in a statement posted online, the district identified the teacher as Michelle Gerst and said she was placed on paid administrative leave while the initial allegation was investigated.
According to the district, action was taken in March, though officials did not specify what that action was. The district said additional allegations have since emerged, including claims that Gerst posted racist and anti-Muslim comments online and engaged in political discussions in class instead of teaching. Those allegations are now the subject of a separate investigation.
In a statement, Superintendent Cheryl Cotton said: "We are taking the allegations regarding Ms. Gerst's conduct with the utmost seriousness, and we hold our educators to a very high standard for creating a safe, inclusive learning environment."
Fernandez said school districts often face challenges balancing investigations involving educators with employment protections.
"There is a level of protection for teachers, with teachers union and often with schools and the district when circumstances like this occur," she said.
A petition calling for Gerst's dismissal is now circulating, according to Fernandez.
While she said she supports free speech rights, she believes educators should be held to a higher standard because of their role in the classroom.
"Classrooms are a place to have critical thought and dialogue. But when it crosses the line to statements that make people truly feel unsafe, that is just unacceptable," Fernandez said.
The district has not provided a timeline for completing the new investigation.