WHEREAS
,
Audenried School teacher Hope Moffett was removed from her classroom after expressing her personal opinions concerning district plans to transform the school into a charter school and provided tokens to students who wanted to participate in a demonstration on February 15, 2011 against the change; and
WHEREAS
,
More then 1,000 teachers, students and union supporters rallied outside the Philadelphia School District's headquarters on February 15th against proposed budget cuts; and
WHEREAS
,
Hope was assigned to an administrative office and former storage area known as the rubber room to sit in isolation for over ten (10) days; and
WHEREAS
,
Hope's immediate removal from the classroom and assignment to the rubber room has been deemed unfair by the Philadelphia Federation of Teacher's Union who stand in support of Moffett; and
WHEREAS
,
Audenried High School is one of the 18 schools designated for restructuring as part of Superintendent Dr. Arlene C. Ackerman's academic reform initiative; and
WHEREAS, All school administration personnel, teachers, students, parents, residents and visitors in our City have a right to speak freely, without fear of retaliation or intimidation by others under our First Amendment rights; and
WHEREAS
,
In the midst of large-scale changes within the School District, the professional and personal opinions of all stakeholders are welcomed and encouraged; and
WHEREAS, It is severe and unwarranted sanction to be fired for an issue involving school tokens where it was done openly and with positive intentions; and
WHEREAS, It is important that students learn to be involved in educational experiences both inside and outside the classroom; and
WHEREAS, Teaching with passion and understanding the needs of one's students is important to the complete learning process; and now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED
,
That the Philadelphia City Council
hereby calls for the retention of Audenried High School teacher Hope Moffett.
End