Teacher in YouTube video remains on job

Fayetteville, N.C. — A Cumberland County teacher shown in an online video telling a student her father might be deployed for years because the family supported John McCain for president remains on the job, officials said Monday.

Superintendent William Harrison has completed his investigation of the incident, but details weren't released, school district spokeswoman Wanda McPhaul said.

A Scandinavian film crew making a documentary last spring on support for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama captured Mary McArthur Elementary School teacher Diatha Harris talking to her fifth-grade students about Obama and McCain.

When student Cathy Thompson said she was backing McCain because her parents were, Harris responded, "Oh Lord." She later called the war in Iraq "senseless" and told Cathy that McCain planned to keep U.S. troops in Iraq for 100 years, if necessary.

The video was posted on YouTube.com, and some bloggers called for Harris to be fired.

Harris, who has taught for 27 years and has been with Cumberland County Schools for four years, apologized for her comment to Cathy but said her statements were taken out of context and were edited to make her look bad.

Cathy's mother, Angela Moore, said neither she nor her daughter were upset by Harris' comments.

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Latest Comments

Give the school system a break. They do not have the money or resources to challenge the NAACP. That is what they are there for. I guess we should live with it and move on.

Axtel
November 19, 2008 2:54 p.m.

Again I say: Fire her.

Freedom of speech has limited application when it comes to the real world. The Feds cannot throw her in jail for her words, but that's about as far as the constitution protects professionals. As a stock broker, I cannot give stock advice on this forum. While that some consider that a freedom-of-speech issue, it is not. It is for the good of all who may be harmed by such a reco. For example, I cannot say anything that sounds like I'm saying someone is a fool for buying XYZ stock. In the same way it is inappropriate for a teacher to give political advice, including dramatic "oh no!" kinds of remarks.

If I'd be fired, she should be fired. Not based on race, but based on being inappropriate and unprofessional.

Broker - Back from Lurking
November 18, 2008 12:56 p.m.

Just get over it. She should have kept her job there was no reason for any displinary action. She gave her opinion which we are all entitled to give. Case in point this blog! Should either one of our priviledges be revoked for giving our opinions on certain topics. Come on its not the end of the world. The parents were on the side of the teacher...the question is how did it get on "you tube" and further why did whomever have a cell phone (assuming that is what was used) and recorded it. Could this have been a set up?

PJM
November 18, 2008 7:11 a.m.

she just a product of what she has lived with most of her life

mramorak
November 18, 2008 7:08 a.m.

I am a white republican, and this teacher has my support, and I won't blow this out of proportion. I am everyone returns the favor when I say something stupid about Obama on the job.

readme
November 17, 2008 9:49 p.m.