Details emerge about probe into Hercules teacher's controversial comments on deporting students

HERCULES, Calif. (KGO) -- New details are emerging around the West Contra Costa Unified School District's investigation into a Hercules High School teacher following allegations that center around racist social media posts allegedly posted by the teacher. The investigation launched after an earlier complaint involving alleged deportation remarks to a student.

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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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.

""The District takes any hateful language or discriminatory conduct very seriously. When the social media posts were brought to the District's attention in February, the Hercules High School administration immediately notified the district office," the district wrote in a statement to ABC7 News.

According to the district, action was taken in March following the end of the initial investigation, though officials did not specify what that action was.

The district said when additional allegations emerged later in the school year, the district ordered a second official investigation, which is ongoing.

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.

Editorial Update: A previous version of this story was updated to include a statement and additional details from the West Contra Costa Unified School District.