Ackerman: Moffett 'crossed the line'
by Benjamin Herold on Mar 16 2011 Posted in Latest news
Superintendent Ackerman at the March 9 SRC meeting.
Despite an avalanche of criticism, Philadelphia Superintendent of Schools Arlene Ackermanremains adamant that exiled Audenried High teacher Hope Moffett should be fired for “poor judgment” that jeopardized the lives of her students.
“The issue for the District has never been about [Moffett’s] First Amendment rights,” said Ackerman. “We believe that Ms. Moffett, in her zeal to help children understand they have a right to protest and voice their opinions, crossed the line.”
During an extensive interview with the Notebook on Tuesday, Ackerman acknowledged that others might see the District’s treatment of the 25-year-old Moffett as heavy-handed, describing it as “arguable” whether her actions warranted termination.
But the superintendent made no apologies.
“As far as I’m concerned, when you endanger the welfare of children, you’ve got to take the disciplinary action that comes with it,” said Ackerman.
The District alleges that without notifying parents, Moffett provided students with
