Susan Parsons, a teacher at Wall Township High School New Jersey teacher has been suspended and accused of censorship for allegedly photoshopping the yearbook pictures of students wearing pro-Trump t-shirts.
Parsons, a technology and media teacher, was suspended from his position at Wall High School until the investigation into the matter was complete.
The yearbook advisor and teacher is accused of photoshopping the pictures of two male students who had worn President Trump merchandise in their yearbook photos. According to reports, the students were shocked when they received their yearbooks and found that their pictures had been edited.
One student, Junior Grant Berardo, had his ‘Make America Great Again’ completely edited out, while a second student’s photo, Wyatt Debrovich-Fago, was also edited to remove a Trump logo.
via Fox:
Cheryl Dyer, the superintendent of Wall Township Public Schools told Fox the yearbook adviser has been suspended amid an investigation into the alteration of photos and the omission of text from students who support President Trump. In an earlier statement, Dyer said the school district values free speech and said the allegations of censorship were disturbing.
Junior Grant Berardo could not believe it when he discovered his yearbook photo had been digitally altered. His “Make America Great Again” shirt had been covered up by a black T-shirt.
Siblings Wyatt and Montana Debrovich-Fago also reported being censored. The words “Trump-Pence” were digitally removed from his sweater. Montana, the schools’ freshman class president, reported that her Trump quote had been taken out of the yearbook. The quote read, “I like thinking big. If you are going to be thinking anything, you might as well think big.”
Superintendent Dyer elaborated on the districts decision to suspend Parsons in a statement:
In a statement, Dyer admonished the removal of the Trump references which she said went against the school’s open dress code.
‘There is nothing in Wall Township High School’s student dress code that would prevent a student from expressing his or her political views, or support for a political figure, via appropriate clothing and attire. Indeed, the administration applauds students for becoming involved in politics, making their voices known, and taking an active part in our democracy.
‘Wall High School was not aware of and does not condone any censorship of political views on the part of our students…the allegations are disturbing, and any inappropriate challenge to these principles will be rectified as swiftly and thoroughly as possible,’ she said.
According to New Jersey state records, Parsons has worked in education for 21 years, including 13 in the district.
Donald Trump Net Worth 2017: How Much is Trump Worth Now?
