Anoka-Hennepin Teachers put on leave for harrassment

By Kathleen O'Connor

Yesterday what began as a protest outside Anoka Hennepin Technical School became a celebration as protestors learned that the Anoka Hennepin School District has placed the two teachers who harassed our client, Alex Merritt, on leave. The teachers harassed Alex in the fall of 2007 through January of 2008 by making anti-gay jokes about him in the classroom. The teachers will not be returning to the classroom when students begin school on Tuesday.
This is a victory both for Alex, who is not gay, and for those students throughout Minnesota, both gay and straight. Students of whatever sexual orientation should feel safe in coming to school, without fear of harassment based on their real or perceived sexual orientation. Teachers in particular, who stand in positions of trust and authority, should never be allowed to behave in this way and remain teachers. As a result of Alex and his mother Jodi’s courage in standing up to the school district, and their willingness to come forward publicly, students at Anoka Hennepin, and throughout Minnesota, are safer from harassment. School districts undoubtedly will be reviewing their policies, practices and training of teachers and staff regarding this serious and sensitive issue. We are proud to have represented Alex and Jodi Merritt!

http://kstp.com/news/stories/S1116594.shtml?cat=1


http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/teacher_harass_september_1_2009


http://www.twincities.com/ci_13250359