SIMON MISMANAGED THE JOSEPH WADDELL PROBLEM

October 12, 2021

In early August 2021, Gainesville High School science teacher Joseph Waddell published on social media his intention to discriminate against certain students in a harassing and bullying way.  Read above for yourself the Facebook post (cautiously search ‘IDGAF’ if you don’t know what that means).  Note, Mr. Waddell was specifically targeting students who were medically exempt, not just random students who weren’t masked.

Individuals are entitled to personal opinions and freedom of speech, but even Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) Spokesperson Jackie Johnson stated the post was “clearly inappropriate.”  However, as an instructional staff member in ACPS, Waddell’s actions are more than just “inappropriate.”

First, Mr. Waddell’s post signals his intention to engage in “harassment” as defined in DOE Emergency Rule 6AER21-02:

Second, Mr. Waddell’s comments violate of all three principles of ACPS’ Standards of Ethical Conduct (Policy 3210):

  1. The instructional staff member values the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, acquisition of knowledge, and the nurture of democratic citizenship. Essential to the achievement of these standards are the freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all.
  2. The instructional staff member’s primary professional concern will always be for the student and for the development of the student’s potential. The instructional staff member will therefore strive for professional growth and will seek to exercise the best professional judgment and integrity.
  3. The instructional staff member strives to achieve and sustain the highest degree of ethical conduct because s/he is aware of the importance of maintaining the respect and confidence of one’s colleagues, of students, of parents, and of other members of the community.

Third, Mr. Waddell announced his intent to violate at least four of nine “disciplinary principles” required of instructional staff.  Policy 3210 states “Violation of any of these principles shall subject the individual to revocation or suspension of the individual instructional staff member’s certificate”:

  1. make a reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to learning and/or to the student’s mental and/or physical health and/or safety.
  2. not unreasonably restrain a student from independent action in pursuit of learning.
  3. not unreasonably deny a student access to diverse points of view.
  4. not intentionally suppress or distort subject matter relevant to a student’s academic program.
  5. not intentionally expose a student to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement.
  6. not intentionally violate or deny a student’s legal rights.
  7. not harass or discriminate against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, handicapping condition, sexual orientation, or social and family background and shall make reasonable efforts to assure that each student is protected from harassment or discrimination.
  8. not exploit a relationship with a student for personal gain or advantage.
  9. keep in confidence personally identifiable information obtained in the course of professional service, unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law.
"I find it appalling that any educator would advocate for harassing their students and truly hope that you will take action against such behavior."
Keith Perry
Florida State Senator

In response to the Facebook post, State Senator Keith Perry wrote,

“It is evident that this educator is insistent on discriminating and harassing students based on their medical or physical disabilities, and for this reason I am calling for appropriate disciplinary action. Mr. Waddell is signaling his intention to engage in ‘COVID-19 harassment,’ as defined in Emergency Rule 6AER21-02. I find it appalling that any educator would advocate for harassing their students and truly hope that you will take action against such behavior.”

For all of the above reasons, Superintendent Simon should have removed Waddell from the classroom, per district policies. However, if Simon took any disciplinary action, she has not announced it. In fact, Simon terminated beloved Glen Springs Principal Deanna Feagin and eight other staff without explanation, but retained “clearly inappropriate” Joseph Waddell with no apparent penalty.  This must be part of “reimagining” ACPS.

The message parents and children of ACPS are receiving from Simon is the only rules that seem to matter are the ones she cares about, which all appear to further her personal political ambitions at the expense of the District. This is a continuing theme throughout her stewardship. It is obvious she lacks awareness of the legal responsibilities of a superintendent, or perhaps she lacks any experience with the normal and routine processes inherent in management of a school district that she would have gained if she were more qualified.

Take Action

The Alliance for Responsible Government encourages you to voice your opinions with the Board Members of Alachua County Public Schools.

Please be aware that emails and letters received by School Board members, the Superintendent, or School Board employees may constitute “public records” within the meaning of F.S. 119.011, Florida Statutes, which would require that the School District make them available for inspection and copying on the request of any person, except for personally identifiable student information, which is confidential and exempt from disclosure without your knowledge and consent. In addition, under Florida law, F.S. 668-6076, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.