Katie Rinderle, a fifth-grade teacher in Cobb County, Georgia, has found herself in a battle to regain her job after reading a book titled “My Shadow Is Purple” to her class. In June, a lengthy investigation concluded that Rinderle should be terminated from her position at Due West Elementary School due to a violation of a Georgia law that prohibits educators from teaching about divisive concepts. However, the school district has yet to clarify exactly how Rinderle broke this law. The book, which promotes acceptance, self-identity, and moves beyond traditional gender roles, was in line with the message of acceptance that Rinderle wanted to convey to her students.
The investigation into Rinderle was triggered by a complaint from a parent, leading to her termination when she refused to resign as requested by the elementary school’s principal. Governor Brian Kemp signed three educational laws last year, which restricted what teachers can discuss in classrooms and granted parents the authority to file complaints against educators they believe have violated these laws. Teachers across Georgia have expressed concerns about the fear instilled by these laws.
Rinderle has been accused of violating the “divisive concepts” law, which forbids teachers from addressing controversial subjects, such as claiming that the United States is intrinsically racist. Notably, gender discussions are not mentioned in the law, although exceptions are made for teaching about racism in an academic context, as long as educators maintain objectivity. Each school district is responsible for establishing its own complaint procedures. Georgia educators criticized the law after its enactment, citing its vagueness and difficulty of interpretation.
One parent complaint in Cobb County can initiate an investigation that ultimately results in removal, as evident in Rinderle’s case. Rinderle and her lawyer have both emphasized that the school has yet to provide an explanation as to how her reading of “My Shadow Is Purple” violated the law. When asked about the specific law Rinderle broke, the school district spokesperson stated that all the facts and policies would be reviewed at a hearing scheduled for August 3rd.
The implications of this ambiguous law extend beyond Rinderle’s termination. Goodmark, the attorney representing Rinderle, has expressed concern over the confusion it has caused among teachers, leaving them unsure of what they are allowed to teach. Education and civil rights groups intend to file a lawsuit against Georgia for its “divisive concepts” law, arguing that it amounts to censorship. Similar lawsuits have already been filed in Florida and Oklahoma, where Republican-led legislatures have passed laws limiting the content teachers can discuss in the classroom.
Nationwide, Republicans are actively attempting to enforce conservative ideologies in public schools. Their efforts include legislation that restricts discussions on gender, sexuality, and race, as well as policies that grant parents control over access to certain books. The repercussions of laws censoring teachers and removing books from libraries are being felt throughout the country. At the hearing, Goodmark plans to challenge Cobb County’s decision to terminate Rinderle, demanding an explanation for what constitutes a divisive concept and how “My Shadow Is Purple” violated the law. Rinderle has received significant support from the community, and she is determined to fight for her job.
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