Posted on 06/09/2010 10:00:05 AM PDT by inflorida
Fourth-grade teacher Jarretta Hamilton was newly married and expecting a baby when she went to speak with her supervisors in April of last year.
But the administrators at Southland Christian School in St. Cloud parried her query about maternity leave with a query of their own: When did she conceive?
After Hamilton admitted that her child had been conceived about three weeks before her February 20, 2009, wedding, the school fired her.
Now she's suing in federal court.
"She wants compensation for the loss of the job, and she's seeking compensatory damages for emotional distress," said Edward Gay, Hamilton's attorney who filed the suit in U.S. District Court in Orlando.
In the complaint, which asks for a trial by jury, Hamilton alleges her termination was based on the fact of her pregnancy — and that the school offended her by disclosing the information about when she conceived to other school staffers and the parents of students Hamilton taught during the 2008-2009 school year.
Hamilton did not authorize the school to reveal that information, according to the complaint.
She also tried to keep the matter from getting to this point, Gay said. She filed discrimination charges with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Florida Commission on Human Relations, but has since exhausted her options.
A July 20, 2009, letter signed by school administrator Julie Ennis explains why the school's administrators thought they had to fire Hamilton:
"Jarretta was asked not to return because of a moral issue that was disregarded, namely fornication, sex outside of marriage," the letter reads. "The employment application, which she filled out, clearly states that as a leader before our students we require all teachers to maintain and communicate the values and purpose of our school."
(Excerpt) Read more at orlandosentinel.com ...
I don’t see how HIPPA was involved.
It seems the school got the information from her, not any confidential records.
If a guy has one arm, it doesn’t violate HIPPA for one’s employer to state that it was amputated.
Classless? No doubt. I’d defend the woman and attack the school until the lawyers get involved. It’s not against the law to be a jerk.
I go to a Christian school. My daughters’ favorite teacher is a young engaged woman. If she had a baby 8 months after she got married, I wouldn’t even think anything about it. If my daughters’ asked about it, then I would remind them that they were born a month early as was their brother.
I should say “My kids go to a Christian school.”
Wow ... That comment perfectly describes most "religious" disputes on this forum.
No. Concieving and raising children is a joyful normal part of life. it is not something shameful within the bounds of marriage. Children are a gift from God. Why would parents not be extatic and wish to share their joy?
This is something celebrated in the Christian culture I grew up in.
It’s a discrimination suit. Here’s what her blood sucking attorney had to say about the suit:
“If they’re going to single her out because she conceived prior to marriage, but allow people to remain employed who conceived during a marriage, isn’t that discriminating against her based on her marital status?” asked Gay, according to MyFoxOrlando.com.
She will lose.
A medical condition is defined as a disease, illness, or injury. Unless you are male, being pregnant in itself is not a medical condition, but pregnancy complications are medical conditions. Words have meanings.
LOL out loud.
you better be sure of your story. Titus there might have to verify it and make sure you are within biblical regulations.
Excuse me Mary, when did you conceive that child?
Ding ding, WINNER
Don’t worry everyone, when the muslims take over, they will straighten out all our errant ways.
So you’re in school as well as your daughter? Are the two of you in the same class?
The way you wish to handle such issues is your prerogative. And the rules and regulations of this Christian school is their prerogative and rights as a private educational institution.
You took a wrong turn on your way between Daily KOS and DU, newby.
The fact that the GOP ignores traditional values drove conservatives away from the party.
I agree with you, Reeses. When I was pregnant I didn’t consider it a “condition”.
Would it have been public if she hadn't sued?
This case has two parts in all actuality:
On the job issue, the School wins, it is a private employer and she signed a morals clause. She violated the clause and it was within their rights to fire her.
However, the School violated HIPAA laws when it revealed private medical information and the reason for her firing. For that they should be held liable for her defamation and be held criminally for violating the law.
I was going to say the same thing. She should never have answered the question. I’m sure that they asked because she asked for maternity leave too early. She should just have given the nine months date and worked as long as she could. No one would have been able to say a word.
Ding Ding, LOSER! Mary did not have pre-marital sex.
Are you suggesting the Biblical account is not true? Was Jesus conceived through the Holy Spirit or was Mary fornicating before marriage?
Evidently she wouldn’t be allowed to teach at that school, either...
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