Fired Oregon Teacher of the Year files third complaint with labor bureau

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Oregon Live

By Laura Frazier

Oregon's 2014 Teacher of the Year, who was fired April 3 after a dispute over absenteeism, has filed a third discrimination complaint with the Bureau of Labor and Industries.

Brett Bigham said he submitted a complaint Tuesday against the Multnomah Education Service District, alleging that his termination was because of his sexual orientation and in retaliation for filing previous grievances.

Bigham teaches special education in MESD's transition program, which helps special education students from ages 18 to 21 with work and life skills. In October 2013 Bigham was the first openly gay educator to be named Oregon Teacher of the Year, and has used the role as a platform to discuss gay rights, bullying and suicide prevention.

Bigham filed previous BOLI complaints in November and March, alleging sexual orientation discrimination and retaliation.

FULL story and more photos at link.



Brett Bigham met President Barack Obama May 1 following his selection as 2014 Oregon Teacher of the Year. Bigham is traveling to D.C. this week to accept a national award. (Courtesy of Brett Bigham)

Read more: http://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2015/04/fired_oregon_teacher_of_the_ye.html

[TexasMommaWithAHat]

1. I hope he wins his case.

It's time for this kind of crap to stop.

[wolfie001]

2. Harrassment and retaliation.

That's the conclusion I've reached from the Portland Tribune. The PI seemed to be a tool for the district to paint this Teacher of the Year as an "egomaniac" simply because he spoke out about being gay. Nasty RW jerkoffs. I'm sure anti-Obama people goaded this whole process on. Sickening but thoroughly expected behavior from most Replugs.

[Arugula Latte]

3. Link for his legal fund if you have a few bucks to spare to help him fight this outrage:

http://www.gofundme.com/r59hbg8z