Teachers Sue for Defamation Amidst Book Ban Controversy in Beaufort County
In beautiful Hilton Head, South Carolina, a heated and contentious legal battle is brewing between educators and a local parent. The drama began with accusations of “grooming,” a term often associated with predators, sparking conversations about the increasingly polarized nature of educational content.
Two teachers from Hilton Head Middle School, Mardy Burleson and Kathleen Harper, have launched lawsuits against Hilton Head resident David Cook, after he publicly labeled them as “groomers” on social media. The backdrop to these lawsuits is a recent movement to ban certain books from school libraries, which garnered national attention and ignited fervent debates in the community. Cook was a vocal supporter of the ban, asserting that the 97 books removed from school collections were inappropriate and even pornographic.
The Lawsuits Explained
The lawsuits filed by both teachers, with Harper’s suit coming in late September, claim that Cook’s allegations are false and defamatory. They argue that the name-calling and accusations have caused them significant personal and professional harm. The teacher’s attorney, Meg Phelan of the Equality Legal Action Fund, has taken on this case pro bono. According to Phelan, “The way that our climate is right now with educators and with LGBTQ policies has created an interesting challenge just because it’s a polarizing issue.”
So, what brought this whole controversy about? It all started during a unit called “The Long March to Freedom,” where Harper was covering for an English Language Arts teacher. The unit was part of the Beaufort County School District’s curriculum and included research on modern-day slavery. One of the materials was a firsthand account from a Kenyan girl who had experienced grave injustices, including forced marriage and genital mutilation.
From Classroom Discussions to Public Outrage
The sparks really flew when a student asked about female circumcision. Harper described it as a “barbaric practice” occurring in some African villages and was part of this young girl’s story of exploitation. Just days later, Cook, whose daughter was in Harper’s class, demanded an urgent meeting. When Harper couldn’t meet immediately, tensions escalated. He questioned the educational materials used in class and claimed that there was abuse occurring.
Escalation and Accusations
Cook’s actions took a sharp turn over the next few days. After confronting various school administrators without satisfaction, he launched a public campaign against Harper. This included numerous emails and incendiary posts on social media where he accused Harper of illegal behavior and claimed she was violating district policies.
By late March 2023, Cook’s campaign had intensified to the point where he was accusing Harper of retaliating against his daughter academically. He went so far as to allege that she had “groomed” students and linked her to notorious groups that support right-wing ideologies through shared infographics on social media. His accusations culminated in a public outburst during a Beaufort County Board of Education meeting, where he called for Harper’s teaching certification to be revoked.
The Impact on the Teachers and the School Environment
Harper, in her lawsuit, argued that Cook’s false statements were intended to tarnish her reputation as a dedicated educator. She contends that these attacks are part of a larger agenda to suppress educational content that Cook and his supporters deem “leftist.” The lawsuit seeks actual and special damages, alongside punitive damages to prevent similar behavior in the future.
The atmosphere in Beaufort County is undeniably tense as the political climate continues to heat up. The escalation of parental influence in educational content is at the forefront, especially as elections loom on the horizon. As legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how this case will impact educators and the broader school community.
The Beaufort County School District has not commented on the lawsuits, but spokesperson Candace Bruder has confirmed that Cook is not allowed on school property. However, he is still able to drop off and pick up his children from school.
This case opens up vital discussions about free speech, educational integrity, and community standards. As the dust settles, the implications for teachers and students across the state could be far-reaching.
