Katherine Rinderle, a teacher with over a decade of experience at Due West Elementary School in the Cobb County School District, is taking legal action against the district after losing her tenure and being fired. The termination came after Rinderle read the book "My Shadow is Purple" to her 10-year-old students, introducing them to non-binary identities.

Legal Challenge Against Restrictive Policies

The Cobb County School District has policies limiting teachers from discussing controversial, divisive, and sensitive topics. A lawsuit supported by the Georgia Association of Educators says these policies make it hard for teachers to make inclusive classrooms because they create a difficult environment. While Rinderle acknowledged reading the book, the complaint claimed she did not explicitly teach gender ideology and that students requested the book to be read.

The lawsuit, filed on Friday, contends that the termination violates Rinderle's rights and raises concerns among teachers seeking to introduce LGBTQ content to students. It argues that the district's censorship policies are vague, enabling arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement against educators supporting LGBTQ students. 

Termination Over Reading Book on Non-Binary Identities

The book, aimed at teaching children about non-binary identities, received positive reviews for promoting acceptance and boosting confidence in different individuals. However, during a hearing in August 2023, a parent expressed disgust, particularly for not being the first to address the topic with their child. 

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In the August 2023 hearing, the school district lawyer deemed discussions on gender identity and fluidity inappropriate. The school board voted 4-3 to terminate her employment at Due West Elementary School. Despite a panel of three retired educators recommending against firing Rinderle, the Cobb County School Board overruled their suggestion, asserting that she had violated district policies.

The district accused Rinderle of being 'adversarial,' 'disingenuous,' and 'deceptive,' according to Christopher Dowd, Director of Employee Relations and Evaluations. Dowd alleged that a lesson on gender identity and fluidity took place, and Rinderle injected her personal feelings into the matter.

State Board Decides To Uphold Termination

Rinderle, who initially faced administrative leave during the investigation, was terminated by the Cobb County School Board in August 2023. At their meeting on Thursday, the state board unanimously supported the Cobb County School Board's decision.

Rinderle's attorneys argued that the prohibition of 'controversial issues' is too vague, making it unclear for teachers what is prohibited. However, following a 21-page investigation, the state board concluded that Cobb County's rules are not 'unconstitutionally vague' and Rinderle's termination was not a 'predetermined outcome.' 

In a statement to Axios Atlanta, a Cobb County School District spokesperson expressed gratitude for the State Board of Education's thorough review of the situation. They noted that, after examining all the available material, the State Board affirmed the actions taken by the district.

Rinderle, represented by the Southern Poverty Law Center, remains unemployed and grapples with the 'shock at being so highly praised in my career to have it go away suddenly.'

Michael Tafelski, SPLC senior supervising attorney, asserted that Cobb County's district leadership has effectively utilized vague censorship policies to terminate Rinderle. He further claimed that this action has instilled fear and confusion among Cobb County educators who strive for safe and inclusive classrooms for their students.

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