In a controversial decision, the Cobb County School Board in Georgia voted 4-3 to terminate Due West Elementary teacher Katie Rinderle for reading the book "My Shadow Is Purple" to her fifth-grade students. The book features a nonbinary character and challenges the traditional concept of gender identity, which the district argues violated its policies and state law. Rinderle had been on leave for over a month before her termination in March.

The termination hearing took place last week, and a three-person tribunal overseeing the case recommended that Rinderle keep her job. However, the school board had the authority to accept or change the recommendation. In a surprising move, the board voted to fire Rinderle, sparking outrage from her attorney, Craig Goodmark, who called the decision an "act of politics over policy."

Rinderle's firing can be appealed to the state Board of Education and potentially taken to court. Goodmark stated that they plan to appeal and believe there is no legitimate explanation for the termination. He argued that Rinderle, like other Georgia educators, was uncertain of the boundaries when it comes to sensitive or controversial topics, as the district's policies are intentionally vague.

Rinderle defended her choice to read "My Shadow Is Purple" during the hearing, highlighting that her students had selected the book from multiple options she provided. She had purchased the book at a recent school book fair, unaware of the controversy it would generate. However, parents complained after learning about the book, leading to Rinderle's initial termination in March.

The district claims that Rinderle violated its rules and Georgia's Divisive Concepts Law, which prohibits teachers from using controversial topics in their instruction. The law was passed by state lawmakers last year, prompting Cobb County to adopt a rule barring instruction on divisive subjects. Supporters of the law argue that it protects parents' rights to direct their children's upbringing and education.

Rinderle's termination is part of a larger trend in conservative backlash against diversity in schools across the country. Parents and Republican lawmakers have been pushing to remove books with LGBTQ+ subjects from school curricula and libraries. While Rinderle's case is believed to be the first public school teacher in Georgia affected by these laws, her attorney warns that teachers are increasingly self-censoring due to fear of crossing invisible lines.

During the hearing, district officials mentioned a previous complaint from parents when Rinderle read "Stacey's Extraordinary Words," a picture book by Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams, who was running for governor at the time. Rinderle argued that her principal had approved the book and assured her that there was nothing wrong with it.

The termination decision received mixed reactions from the school board members. All four Republican members voted in favor of upholding the termination, while the three Democrats opposed it. Republican board member Randy Scamihorn justified his vote by stating that he was elected to keep classrooms free of controversial topics and focus on academics.

Superintendent Chris Ragsdale, who recommended Rinderle's termination, expressed satisfaction with the board's decision, emphasizing the district's commitment to maintaining a focused learning environment. However, critics argue that the decision sends a harmful message to students who deserve affirmation in being their authentic selves.

Despite the disappointment and expected outcome, Rinderle's supporters, such as the Southern Poverty Law Center, pledge to continue holding the district accountable for its alleged discrimination, bigotry, and retaliation. The case is far from over, with Rinderle considering all legal avenues to challenge her termination.