A suburban Atlanta school board voted to dismiss Katherine Rinderle, the teacher who dared to read a book. It sounds like a scene straight out of a North Korean movie script, but it is true.
Rinderle’s dismissal was for reading a book. But it is not the action that cost her her job. It was not even the fact that the book she was reading was about gender identity.
It was all about her audience, who she did it with. Rinderle was with fifth graders when she read her book. Gender identity is now getting banned from school libraries across the country. So, the school board saw it fit to dismiss her.
The Cobb County board voted 4-3 last Thursday. It was a different outcome from the recommendation made by a panel of retired educators from the same county.
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The school board’s decision has sparked a national debate on discussing sensitive topics like gender identity in public education. Rinderle faced criticism in March when a concerned parent complained she was reading “My Shadow is Purple” to her students.
The district believes Rinderle violated up to six established policies and rules. Her choosing to read the book also breaks two policies related to Georgia’s 2022 laws.
The laws limit teaching “divisive concepts” and emphasize the importance of transparent communication between teachers and parents. Some think they are conservative measures, but they are there to reduce discussions on subjects like gender identity, sexual orientation, and race in public education.
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In her defense, Rinderle said she read the book because her students voted to read it. According to her, it was also a book she purchased from the school’s book fair.
“So, they actually chose this book. And that’s why I read it aloud to them. But this book is an affirming book that truly is celebrating the importance of honoring who you are and also the unique assets and identities of others,” she stated.
Addressing why she shared the book without clarifying everything, Rinderle said, “I truly felt that this book was an inclusive book. And that there was no policy where you needed to get permission or anything of that nature.”
Craig Goodmark, Rinderle’s attorney, has hinted that there may be an appeal on Friday. Goodmark said: “I think there were several issues with the investigation, the hearing, and the ultimate decision to terminate that give us very strong arguments on appeal.”
Following the result of the school board on Thursday, Rinderle expressed her disappointment.
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“The district is sending a harmful message that not all students are worthy of affirmation in being their unapologetic and authentic selves,” she said. Rinderle also underscored the emerging threat of teachers resorting to self-censorship, scared of the boundaries of what they can teach their students.
A panel of three retired teachers also disagreed with the board’s ruling. They acknowledge the fact that Rinderle may have crossed a line. However, they don’t think her offense is enough grounds for termination.
In response to the diverging opinions, the school district’s spokesperson clarified: “We are very serious about keeping our classrooms focused on teaching, learning, and opportunities for success for students.”
Rinderle’s legal rep has hinted at her moving on to find a better place suitable for her passion. It leaves many wondering if the punishment truly does fit the offense.
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