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Gainesville, FL - A Gainesville High School teacher faces potential disciplinary action following allegations of targeting a student for their political beliefs.
Crystal Marull, a parent, raised the issue during a State Board of Education meeting, claiming her son was unfairly treated by his history teacher, Lauren Watts.
Marull stated that Watts allowed classmates to call her son a "Naziphile" due to his interest in history and ROTC involvement.
She further alleged that Watts nominated him for a "Most Likely to Become a Dictator" award, pressuring him to accept a certificate in front of peers, which he declined.
Marull displayed the certificate, labeled "Ms. Watts’ Class Superlatives 2023," during her testimony.
The allegations gained significant attention online, prompting Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier to demand Watts’ termination and certificate revocation if the claims are verified.
In a letter to the Alachua County School Board, Uthmeier cited violations of state law and ethical standards.
Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas confirmed an investigation, filing a complaint against Watts with the Education Practices Commission.
The complaint lists violations, including failure to protect a student from harm and discrimination based on political beliefs.
Potential sanctions include fines, suspension, or certificate revocation.
The administrative complaint corroborates the cited violations, but no further details, including Watts’ response, are available.
The case awaits review by the Education Practices Commission.