Monday, 6 May 2019

Transphobic Teacher Reinstated Following Dismissal



Lee Livengood, assistant principal at Liberty High School in West Virginia, has won an appeal to be reinstated following his dismissal for harassing a transgender student.

Last year Livengood was fired from his position after he followed transgender student Michael Critchfield into the male bathroom facilities and verbally harassed him. According to Critchfield, Livengood challenged him as to why he was using the male facilities, then demanded that he use a urinal to 'prove' he was male.

When Critchfield attempted to leave the bathroom Livengood blocked his way out ans asked him what he thought would happen if another student thought that he was trying to check him out in the bathroom. When he finally agreed to allow Critchfield to leave he told him, 'I'm not going to lie. You freak me out.'

Livengood was initially suspended, and following the end of his probationary contract was told that his contract would not be extended, effectively terminating his employment at Liberty High School.

Last month the school superintendent Mark Manchin said that it was not unusual for teachers to have their contracts terminated following their probationary period. 'There's no other reason other than the fact that we just desire not to have him continue as an employee of the Harrison County Board of Education.'

Despite this, the same board that agreed to end his contract have now voted to reinstate him to his former position. As of yet the only statement released as to the reason for his reinstatement is that it 'was difficult and followed a lot of discussion'.


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