Jennifer Fasulo, a Spanish teacher in Baldwinsville Central School District in upstate New York, was placed on administrative leave in late January after becoming an aide for a Turning Point USA Club America chapter.
Fasulo teaches Spanish at Charles W. Baker High School.
“We are following established administrative and legal procedures, and we are unable to comment further or share additional details at this time,” the district said in a statement about Fasulo’s leave. “We recognize that situations like this can lead to questions and speculation. We respectfully ask our community to allow the review process to proceed and to refrain from spreading unverified information, which can be harmful and misleading.”
Club America President Jerry Dygert defended the teacher during a February board meeting.
“This teacher is being targeted not because of her performance, but for her political beliefs. Our club exists to promote political understanding through civil discourse, removing the one teacher who best embodies those values puts that mission in serious jeopardy,” he said.
A student-filed petition has been issued on Change.org to support the effort in getting Fasulo reinstated.
“Mrs. Fasulo is a Spanish teacher at Charles W. Baker High School located in Baldwinsville New York. She is currently facing discrimination for her spiritual and political beliefs. She has been put on administrative leave and is pending termination. We believe no educator should be punished for their personal beliefs. Please sign this petition to show support and help us get Mrs. Fasulo back where she rightfully belongs,” the petition states.
The New York Post reports conjectures from district parents who claim Club America will bring an air of extremism to the campus; while others claim Fasulo was placed on leave for allegedly questioning a student’s sexual orientation. Neither the district nor Fasulo have yet to provide details behind her being placed on leave.
