State board upholds Cobb teacher’s firing over book reading, lawyers for educator vow to appeal

The Georgia Board of Education has upheld the firing of Cobb County teacher Katie Rinderle, who read a book challenging gender norms to fifth graders. The book, “My Shadow is Purple” by Scott Stuart, prompted complaints from parents who argued they were not informed about the content in advance. Rinderle, who maintained that the book was about inclusivity, was removed from her Due West Elementary classroom almost a year ago.

The state board voted unanimously to affirm the Cobb County School Board’s decision without discussion. The decision was based on the presence of “any evidence” supporting the district’s decision, according to state regulations. The board’s 21-page review found that Cobb’s policies were not “unconstitutionally vague,” and Rinderle’s firing was not a “predetermined outcome.”

Under Georgia law, Rinderle or the school district has 30 days to appeal the state board’s decision in Cobb County Superior Court. Rinderle’s attorneys stated that they are not surprised by the decision and emphasized their intention to pursue all legal options. They filed a federal lawsuit last week against the district and its leaders, alleging discrimination related to Rinderle’s firing. The lawsuit contends that Cobb’s vague censorship policies have led to the termination or fear of discipline for openly supporting LGBTQ students.

Rinderle is considered the first public school teacher in Georgia to face consequences under state laws passed in 2022 that restrict classroom discussions. She is also the first to file a federal challenge to Georgia’s policies. The case has sparked wider debates about the power of school districts to make decisions on explicit content in libraries, with both Cobb County and Marietta City Schools removing books deemed sexually explicit.

The situation underscores ongoing tensions surrounding the boundaries of teaching content in schools and the rights of educators to discuss diverse and inclusive topics in the classroom.