Jennifer Fasulo, a Spanish teacher at Charles W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville, New York, has been placed on paid administrative leave as of January 30. The leave follows her recent agreement to assist students in establishing a Club America chapter at the school, which is the high school division of the conservative group Turning Point USA, co-founded by Charlie Kirk.
The Baldwinsville Central School District confirmed Fasulo's leave in a communication to parents on February 10, stating that the district is "following established administrative and legal procedures" during the review of a matter. Specific reasons for the leave were not disclosed due to the ongoing review process.
In response to the school district's actions, students rallied behind Fasulo, launching a petition that has amassed over 2,100 signatures. The petition frames Fasulo as a victim of spiritual and political discrimination and emphasizes that "no educator should be punished for their personal beliefs." Jerry Dygert, the President of Club America, defended Fasulo at a February 9 school board meeting. He argued that Fasulo is being targeted for her political beliefs, not her teaching performance, and that removing her jeopardizes the club's mission of promoting political understanding through civil discourse.
Students have lauded Fasulo as a mentor whose "wisdom and compassion" are unparalleled, according to reports from the New York Post. However, not all community members agree with this sentiment. Some parents have expressed concerns over Turning Point USA and its influence, with one parent describing the organization as "terrifying" on social media, and others calling for discussions about the potential termination of Fasulo's advisory role.
Former Republican state Senate candidate Caleb Slater, who knows Fasulo from church and Christian circles, has also spoken out. Slater contends that Fasulo is being used as a "sacrificial lamb" to deter conservative viewpoints in an environment he notes is inclusive of other ideologies, as evidenced by pride flags in classrooms.
There are alternative explanations for the leave being circulated. Syracuse.com has reported claims from community members that Fasulo's leave is unrelated to her support of Turning Point USA, but rather stems from an incident involving a student's sexual orientation during her advisory role in a Christian youth group called Youth Alive. These allegations, however, remain unverified.
As the situation unfolds, the community remains divided, with fervent support for Fasulo on one side and calls for scrutiny on the other. The case highlights the ongoing debate over political and ideological diversity within educational institutions and the role of educators in facilitating student-led initiatives.
