Portfolio Artifact #2 1
Portfolio Artifact #2
Edgar Roa
College of Southern Nevada
Portfolio Artifact #2 2
In a predominantly black high school, Ann Griffin, a white teacher, got into a
conversation with two administrators, Principal Freddie Watts and Jimmy Brothers, assistant
principal. In the conversation, Ann stated that she “hated all black folks.” When the word spread
of her statement, it of course caused negative reactions among her colleagues. The principal
recommended dismissal based on concerns regarding her ability to treat students fairly.
To prevent a bigger problem Ann Griffin should be dismissed. In the 21st century,
statements like the one that she made should not be said in a public school. Nobody should be
able to make statements like those and get away with it. In 1987, Matthew Fraser, a student at
Bethel High School, was suspended for delivering an inappropriate speech to the student body.
Even though Matthew was suspended for three days, The Supreme Court held that his free
speech rights were not violated because his speech was vulgar (Supreme Court Landmarks). A
similar solution should be issued to Ann.
Some may say that Ann’s First Amendment rights will be violated if she is dismissed.
Her First Amendment will be violated if she is dismissed but it will be beneficial to her
colleagues and most importantly her students. We live in a age where racism should not exist.
We are no longer separate but equal. Brown v. Board of Education made sure that segregation by
law violates the 14th amendment of the constitution (History - Brown v. Board of Education
Re-enactment). With that being said, Ann Griffin interacts with many African American students
and it is not beneficial for the students to be taught and graded by her.
Ann Griffin should not be dismissed. If she is dismissed her First Amendment will be
violated. In the United States, the First Amendment protects every citizen’s freedom of speech.
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In 1989, Gregory Lee Johnson burned an American flag outside of the City Hall of Dallas (Texas
v. Johnson Podcast). He was arrested for his act, but argued that his act was a symbolic speech.
The case Texas v. Johnson proves that even offensive speech such as flag burning is protected by
the First Amendment (Texas v. Johnson Podcast). The Supreme Court agreed, ruling that
symbolic speech is constitutionally protected even when it is offensive. Ann Griffin’s First
Amendment rights should be protected even is she did insult African Americans.
Ann Griffin said she hated black folks in a public school but just because it is a public
school does not mean that her First Amendment rights are not protected. In The Tinker v. Des
Moines case, the court ruled that students do not leave their rights at the school door (Tinker v.
Des Moines Podcast) and that should be the same for teachers. In 1969, Mary Beth Tinker and
her brother wore black armbands to school to protest the vietnam war (Tinker v. Des Moines
Podcast). The administration prohibited wearing such armbands to prevent a rebellion. The
Tinkers were removed from school when they failed to comply; but the Supreme Court ruled that
their actions were protected by the First Amendment. Ann Griffin should be able to speak her
mind even though her opinions may be wrong to the majority of others.
Based on what Ann stated, I believe her judgement may not be right in all the areas that
most teachers need. Teachers should not have hatred towards other races because they interact
with students that come from many different backgrounds. High School teachers like Ann
interact with many students and based on her statement I can assume she is biased. I agree with
the principal I think she must be dismissed. Her colleagues will not feel comfortable around her.
If Ann was to stay I think it would be difficult for her colored colleagues to feel comfortable
around her.
Portfolio Artifact #2 4
References
History - Brown v. Board of Education Re-enactment. (n.d.) Retrieved January 23, 2018, from
http://www.uscourts.gov/educational-resources/educational-activities/history-brown-v-bo
ard-education-re-enactment.
Supreme Court Landmarks. (n.d.) Retrieved January 23, 2018, from
http://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/supreme-court-land
marks
Texas v. Johnson Podcast. (n.d.) Retrieved January 23, 2018, from
http://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/supreme-court-land
marks/texas-v-johnson-podcast
Tinker v. Des Moines Podcast. (n.d.) Retrieved January 23, 2018, from
http://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/supreme-court-land
marks/tinker-v-des-moines-podcast
