Dallas (WBAP/KLIF) – Controversy continues in connection with a Mansfield elementary school teacher who has been suspended with pay since September 8th.
District officials say Stacy Bailey was placed on suspension after asking for better protections for LGBT students and employees. The suspension came two weeks after a parent had reportedly complained about Bailey’s sexual orientation.
Bailey had also been told numerous times not to discuss her sexual preference with her Charlotte Anderson Elementary students. A request she had refused, saying it is her right to discuss.
A petition is circulating among Bailey’s supporters calling for her to be reinstated.
Video of those who came to tonight’s Mansfield ISD board meeting in support of art teacher Stacy Bailey. About 8 ppl spoke to spoke to board pic.twitter.com/zpIDS74KX1
— Elvia Limón (@elvialimon) March 28, 2018
Meantime, controversy looms between district officials and Bailey’s attorney who give varying accounts about discussions with her on the issue:
According to the Star-Telegram:
“The district said after complaints were received, administrators met with Bailey on more than one occasion. The issue is parents’ rights pertaining to topics of religion, politics and sex/sexual orientation.
Bailey “refused to follow administration’s directions regarding age-appropriate conversations with students,” the district said.
Bailey’s attorney, Jason Smith, disputed the school district’s account.
‘On one occasion, she discussed with students her spouse, who happens to be a woman, just as any other teacher would do,” Smith said. “It’s sad that Mansfield ISD issued a statement with multiple falsehoods to try and deflect the increasing parent pressure to bring back Miss Bailey.’
Bailey was placed on administrative leave after she asked the school district to add protections for sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression to school district policy, according to documents provided to the publication.”
Bailey is a popular teacher at the school.
Stacy Bailey, an art teacher at Charlotte Anderson Elementary, has been suspended with pay since September because she insists it is her right to discuss her sexual orientation with students https://t.co/8ua3JwqUX4 pic.twitter.com/pH8pTEnxyS
— Jeffrey Guterman (@JeffreyGuterman) March 28, 2018
Copyright 2018. WBAP/KLIF News. All Rights Reserved.