More than two weeks later, Patricia Corbino remains suspended with pay while the Wake County school system continues to investigate a complaint about her telling her students not to wear rosaries in class.
As noted in today's article, it's uncertain why the investigation is taking so long and when a resolution will be reached. In the meantime, other teachers at Leesville Road Middle School are continuing to help make sure that Corbino's sixth-grade science students don't fall behind.
One of the issues that's been raised is whether Corbino, who is Catholic, should have made the request to her students.
Corbino should have become religiously neutral once she stepped into the classroom and took on the role of a government official, according to Chris Brook, legal director for the North Carolina chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.
“It’s not her job to police the students about the religious symbols they’re wearing in expression of their religious freedom,” said Brook, who added that the ACLU is not involved in the case.
Another thing I've heard, both from online comments and emails to me directly, is the allegation that there's more to this investigation than this one parental complaint. But parents are refusing to go on the record with their complaints.
Wake is saying that this is the first time that the district has suspended Corbino. But school officials say they can't discuss whether Corbino, who was worked in Wake since 2006, has had prior disciplinary action such as being put on a corrective action plan.
Comments
You are absloutely right.It
Mon, 09/17/2012 - 04:00 — ChristopherOrtizYou are absloutely right.It is only for the fame meanwhile,All of us want to be in limelight for any reason.
What's a little anonymity
Sun, 09/16/2012 - 22:52 — Livingthegoodli...What's a little anonymity amongst fake Internet friends?!
Teacher or not, people
Sat, 09/15/2012 - 09:57 — woodstockTeacher or not, people should not be restricted from making comments concerning religion. Free speech does not stop at the school door, nor should it have stipulations in regard to subject matter. It should, in fact, be encouraged. Most public institutions bend over backwards to demonstrate their tolerance for the various religions. Yet, when it comes to Christianity it seems it's open game for limiting speech and, often, to ridicule it's followers.
We don't have to look and further than today's headlines to see what happens when there in intolerance regarding free speech.
So you are saying..
Sat, 09/15/2012 - 17:24 — bpuli9999she should not have been suspended - since she was exercising free speech? Or she was rightfully suspended because she was exercising free speech?
And read some history books - to learn about the war on Christianity - about how millions of Christians were killed.
Huh? Clearly I am saying she
Sat, 09/15/2012 - 18:42 — woodstockHuh? To clarify, I am saying she should not have been suspended for merely setting a student straight about something that concerns her religion. The teacher is Catholic and her brother is even a priest, so she has some insight on the matter. I also disagree with the ACLU butinski who claims that any all talk of religion must stop at the school door. No one should be prevented from mentioning religion. It is not -- or shouldn't be -- off limits. All our laws speak to the right to free expression of religion, not that we should have freedom from religion.
Yes, I've read a few history book. I think we are on the same side here so I really don't understand your comments.
FYI: My reference to the headlines of today refers to the complete and total intolerance of free speech exhibited in the actions of the radicals (I hope they are radicals) in the Middle East and North Africa and their unconscionable over-reaction to a silly amateur video.
You are one of the most
Tue, 09/18/2012 - 12:25 — askmeaboutitYou are one of the most intelligent people on this blog. This just needs to stop. We have to just chalk it up to the fact that most people today have no respect for anything. They just are using this as a platform to show their ignorance.
This teacher....
Sat, 09/15/2012 - 09:17 — willynillyhad no chance. Had she not said anything and an aetheist complained (or anyone else for that matter) about the beads she would still have been suspended. Just as was my case in 2003, this teacher will never be allowed to face her accusers.
In 2000 or so the NC Attorney Genral sent out a flyer indicating that it might be against the law to refuse comment on religious questions in the classroom thereby denying free speech. A few years later the Supreme Court said that religious discussions in the classroom CANNOT happen. So what does one do? The teacher made a call based on her understanding because the state DPI has no clear guidance.....because no one is in charge, no one wants to make a decision.
At WCPSS no one is in charge either. In my case they ignore the fact that a principal, IN WRITING, lied about something and his butt was covered. The former Super of HR harrassed a female employee because he was affraid she would "out" him. HE was able to retire. Employees get suspended and they have to answer question after question that do not relate to anything they were accused of. Now you see clearly, the WCPSS even calls the shots for WRAL AND N&O. The story of the Athens Drive AP simply dropped off the radar. Hmmmmmmm So, WCPSS, like two years ago, why don't you call my present school.....and threaten me again!!!!! At a good deal of cost I am preparing a mass mailing to Raleigh and to DC. The way I figure it someone will take an interest in this. And by the way, these blogs have provided a way for many of US to make contact.....there is strength in numbers.
"But parents are refusing to
Sat, 09/15/2012 - 08:28 — danofnc"But parents are refusing to go on the record with their complaints."
Of course.
...
Sat, 09/15/2012 - 09:58 — SideburnsYeah, 'cause you're so out there.
I also am not here saying
Sat, 09/15/2012 - 18:09 — danofncI also am not here saying that a teacher did something wrong, am I?
When this story was originally posted, there was no shortage of people claiming that this wasn't all there was to the story. If they are so convinced, why shouldn't they put their name on it in public? If they really believe that it's in the best interest of kids that this teacher be fired, wouldn't it be a public service?
The one time I've been contacted by Keung based on something I wrote, I talked with him and was quoted in the paper....so I'll criticize whoever I want. Thanks.
The fact that you talk louder and more often doesn't make you right.
...
Sat, 09/15/2012 - 21:00 — SideburnsOh, so one comment in the paper is all it takes? I'm sure you'd be the first in line to put their name in print against a teacher at your child's school.
If that teacher was as bad
Sat, 09/15/2012 - 21:23 — danofncIf that teacher was as bad as people here were claiming, I certainly would. I can promise you one of two things: I would either not be on here talking trash about what a horrible person/teacher the lady was, or I would answer questions when I was asked and put my name with it.
They had (alleged) much better examples of the teacher doing things that were wrong than the Christian lady complaining about her kid being told the proper way to wear a Catholic religious symbol.
This blog is not the venue
Sun, 09/16/2012 - 07:22 — lilybugThis blog is not the venue for filing or airing complaints about teachers, nor it is important to convince anyone on here of anything. Information has gone to the places that it needs to go. The school board is now doing what they're supposed to do-investigating.While we all know that some parents complain about everything and nothing, the fact is SOME COMPLAINTS ARE ACTUALLY VALID. The idea that teachers have carte blanche to behave any way they like in school, with no accountability because they're A TEACHER is absurd. When complaints stack up year after year, it bears looking into. It's that simple. That's what they are doing. That's what they should be doing. Let's wait until they finish investigating ALL the complaints, and maybe we will have a clearer picture.
After reading all the
Tue, 09/18/2012 - 12:12 — askmeaboutitAfter reading all the comments and hate mail by the so called parents of school children in Wake County schools and most especially with regard to the teacher who was suspended for asking for simple courtesy in her class room, I am angry. Years ago parents stood by the teachers when their children misbehaved. Now I can see if the action on the part of this teacher was some type of physical or sexual abuse but raising her voice (yelling?) and asking for respect is not something that should bring so much negative attention to the teacher or the school. This kind of behavior on the part of the parents is why we have so many children on the streets, no manner of respect and why they shoot each other in schools. Do you think that what is happening regarding religion in other parts of the world is right or are they just as ignorant as these parents at Leesville school are. Get a grip people there are more important things in the world then PETTY judgements. I interviewed with an investigation team looking into theses so called complaints but for once I am glad to see that the investigators are looking into the families of the children whoses parents filed the complaints. CPS will be notified of any problems caused by the parents with regard to their children. A team was formed to look into any inappropiate behavior on the part of these parents(ie financial, moral, sexual etc).
All I have to say on this is
Tue, 09/18/2012 - 12:20 — askmeaboutitAll I have to say on this is that the petty women, and I use the word lightly, have nothing better to do then spread lies and gossip then I think they should join a new program called the housewives of North Carolina. As the all saying goes, What goes around, comes around and will bite you in the butt. Beware complaintents it's coming right back at you. Job loss is not a joke these days...you are ruining someones life and for what. So someone yelled at your kid, big deal. Are you going to fight their battles forever so they never learn to stand on their feet. Makes me sick to see the everyone has become a judge and jury instead of treating people in the way they would like to be treated. May you realize what kind of person you have become.
I find it hard to believe
Sun, 09/16/2012 - 08:28 — wetdayI find it hard to believe that more egregious acts have occurred and have received the Nelson's eye. Hopefully if the cause is legitimate, the students and parents will receive relief soon. But, as far as this incident is concerned, it serves to highlight one of the problems in American schools. Deference to hypersensitive students and parents doesn't bode well for a rigorous academic experience.
"This blog is not the venue
Sun, 09/16/2012 - 07:39 — danofnc"This blog is not the venue for filing or airing complaints about teachers"
Really? Did an email from TKH change your perspective? You certainly had no problems airing complaints about this teacher when the story was first posted.
"I'm sorry that people who have no prior knowledge of this teacher only have this one offense to go by. It's nothing. She has a long history of extremely problematic behavior, and in any other profession would have been fired years ago, believe me."
"Let this one go. You have NO idea what has gone on here and how this teacher has been a thorn in the side of the administrators, the other staff members, parents and kids for years. There is no other profession that would have not fired such a spectacularly disruptive force years ago."
"The process did began at least 6 years I ago. As noted above, I was told she was "somewhere in that process" but they could not tell me where. I assumed it would work itself out. Whatever happened, we don't know because personnel files are private. I do know that many letters were sent to human resources and the school board rep for the area when it became clear the school administration had become a dead end. As the above reader pointed out, this was not a group of people complaining that are out to get wonderful teachers doing their job under difficult circumstances. This was a highly irregular situation. And if I were reading this with no first hand knowlege myself, I might find it hard to believe that anything so outrageous hadn't been dealt with. I have no explanation for the breakdown. It's an astounding mystery to everyone familiar with the situation. Where is Jimmy Hoffa buried and HOW is that teacher still there?"
"They've actually under-reacted for 6 years."
"Amen. I'm so sorry that people who have no first hand knowledge of the problems this teacher has been causing the school for years are inclined to go to bat for her. Believe me when I tell you this incident is not even noteworthy in comparison to the things she's gotten away with. Nobody who has any knowledge of the real situation can understand how on earth she is still there. It's mind blowing the behavior she's gotten away with."
...
Sun, 09/16/2012 - 09:46 — SideburnsDid an email from TKH change your perspective?
What does that mean? The inference is that Keung is atttempting to control other people's comments. That's quite a statement.
In typical non-committal fashion - first, you judge parents for not speaking out -- then, you judge bloggers for having their say. The fact remains that you only know what the media has told you. You can believe or not believe what some parents (who, unlike you, actually have had personal experience with this teacher) have posted on this blog about this teacher - I'm pretty sure they don't care.
The inference is that the
Sun, 09/16/2012 - 20:23 — danofncThe inference is that the parents that posted in the first thread (lilybug was one of the first and the loudest) have likely been contacted by TKH for comment about the situation and are unwilling to go on the record with their claims.
The two instances of judging you talk about are over the same people. I don't think they should have come here making all sorts of claims without a) being willing to detail their accusations and b) being willing to answer TKH's questions about it.
The administration at the
Mon, 09/17/2012 - 07:35 — lilybugThe administration at the school and human resources have the signed infomation they need-thanks!
...
Sun, 09/16/2012 - 20:34 — SideburnsYou're suggesting that parents have to come clean to the media if they want to blog? Perhaps these parents have detailed their accusations to the people that matter - and, when it comes to their children, Keung isn't one of them. (No offense, Keung.)
The original comments were
Sun, 09/16/2012 - 08:16 — lilybugThe original comments were to inform people that there was more to the story, as the media never mentions there's a history here. Once it became clear people just wanted to keep arguing about it, I realized I wasn't personally interested in getting into a debate. Whether or not people want to stay open minded until the investigation is complete, is irrelevent to me personally.
...
Sat, 09/15/2012 - 21:45 — SideburnsAll you know is what the media has told you. There's a difference between standing up for your child and being willing to put your name in the news. You don't have to do the latter to accomplish the former. It's ironic that your judgement comes from behind your keyboard under a blog name.