Former Fall River teacher sues after she was fired over Facebook post

FALL RIVER, Mass. (AP) — A former Massachusetts special education teacher fired last summer for allegedly posting political and racist comments on social media is suing the city and her teachers’ union in federal court.

Former Kuss Middle School teacher Taryn Camara filed the lawsuit on Jan. 22 amid accusations that Fall River Superintendent Matthew Malone harassed and abused subordinate school staff, the Herald News reported.

Camara alleges the union breached its duty of fair representation and Fall River violated a collective bargaining agreement.

Camara’s attorney, Mark Gagliardi, argues that his client had a 22-year “unblemished career” and that the union gave no reason why it refused to represent Camara after she was fired.

Gagliardi said that Camara would like to reinstated.

Corporation Counsel Alan Rumsey, whose office will represent the school and city, declined to comment.

“There is one supreme race and gender and that is the white man — I also can’t help but notice that race and gender were the ones leading most of the riots! Lastly if you look at the stats more black men have died from other black men than white men — so there lies two problems! But there are far more inequalities that will never change!” Camara’s post read.

Camara made the post last year during protests and unrest following the police killing of George Floyd.

The lawsuit argues that Camara attempted to clarify her posts when she was questioned on Facebook.

According to the complaint, “she was not expressing the opinion that the white man is the supreme race and gender, but rather, that the white man merely believes he is the supreme race and gender. Camara’s explanation is supported by her statement: ‘I also can’t help but notice that race and gender were the ones leading most of the riots!,’ (emphasis added) meaning if white men are so superior, why are they the ones behind all the rioting?”

Malone was never placed on administrative leave for claims that he verbally demeaned a disabled staff member and harassed female employees.

Following a $25,000 investigation, Malone’s pay was docked $16,000 and terms were added to his contract including that he can be terminated without cause if accused of bullying.