Tim Latham's story recently was discussed on Fox & Friends
Tim Latham, a Lawrence High School teacher, was perplexed when his contract was not renewed since he had taught previously for 19 years without complaints. In fact, Latham had always received positive comments about his teaching.
Former LHS students thought Latham was a good teacher and came to his support. Several of the students spoke at a recent school board meeting asking for Mr. Latham to be retained.
A Facebook page, Save Mr.Latham, Lawrence High History Teacher, has swelled from just under 200 members to just under 2000 members in less than two weeks.
Latham’s story was largely told on the Internet but finally was picked up by Fox News on Monday.
Late today, Latham’s attorney issued a statement saying Tim Latham will have his job at Lawrence High School next year after all:
Caleb Stegall issued the following statement today on behalf of his client, Tim Latham, in the wake of this afternoon’s decision by Superintendent Weseman that:
“Having considered all information submitted … I find that there were inconsistencies in the evaluation process. Because of my commitment to the highest standards, I conclude that Mr. Latham’s teaching contract with the District should, and will be continued for 2009-2010.”
With this ruling, Mr. Latham has been fully vindicated and, I am pleased to announce, will be returning to his old teaching post at Lawrence High School next year. This represents a tremendous victory for free speech, for the open and robust exchange of ideas, and for the American form of self-government. Mr. Latham’s victory demonstrates that where there is government abuse, ordinary citizens in America still have recourse to civic engagement and the mechanisms of self-government to correct those abuses. Today is a day the Lawrence community ought to take great pride in, and the bulk of the credit goes to Mr. Latham’s students who-contrary to the common characterizations of today’s youth as cynical and apathetic-took it upon themselves to engage the process and fight for what they valued.
Mr. Latham said of the ruling: “I couldn’t be more pleased with this outcome. While I am happy to have this behind me, and look forward to returning to LHS next fall, I will always be grateful to my students for actually putting what I teach into practice.”
Lawrence High School students can look forward to an excellent history teacher returning in the fall.
UPDATE: Tim Latham celebrates on Fox and Friends, Kansas City Conservative Examiner, June 23, 2009.
Related:
- Lawrence teacher appears on Fox and Friends: “Your web site is too patriotic”, Kansas Meadowlark, June 16, 2009.
- “Save Mr. Latham,” Lawrence High School History and Government Teacher, Kansas Meadowlark, June 9, 2009.
Tags: Free Speech, Kansas, Lawrence School Board, Save Mr.Latham Facebook Group, Tim Latham
Great news!! Props to all who helped this come about. We really need to continue to stay informed & involved on this sort of thing. Battle won; war far from over . . . but I hope this will encourage those in education administration to be on their toes to avoid viewpoint discrimination.