A Connecticut special education teacher has stepped down from her position after her video went viral where she appeared to make violent threats regarding the presidential election outcome, triggering significant public outrage.
The social media footage showed Annie Dunleavy, who taught at Chapman Elementary School, making threatening remarks towards President-elect Donald Trump 's supporters. In the video, she said that anyone who attempted to "test" her would "end on a stretcher, gone forever" and advised Trump supporters to remove her from their social media connections.
Local news outlet WTNH reported her subsequent resignation, where she expressed remorse about the video post. In her statement to WTNH, Dunleavy explained that she acted during an emotionally charged moment and her intended message about self-defence against potential violence towards women was miscommunicated.
The incident caused significant disturbance in Cheshire community, with Superintendent Jeffrey Solan reporting in a press release to WTNH and CTInsider that the district received numerous communications from people beyond the local area.
According to local media, Solan confirmed the video was shared on the teacher's private Snapchat account, and she was initially placed on temporary leave during investigations.
Cheshire police acknowledged their awareness of the viral video and conducted an investigation. NBC Connecticut reported that by Thursday, authorities confirmed no criminal charges would be filed against Dunleavy.
The issue was raised during a local town council meeting. Amy Bourdon, a parent and Trump volunteer, characterised the video as "a death threat" to WTNH, expressing concern about an employee receiving payment from Cheshire township. Another resident, Lori Barnes, voiced reluctance about enrolling her grandson in the district if the teacher remained employed.
On November 12, Republican State Sen. Rob Sampson issued a statement denouncing the video and forwarded a letter to Superintendent Solan, calling for immediate action and emphasising that such behaviour was unacceptable within Cheshire Public Schools.
Following Dunleavy's resignation, Solan released a statement distancing the school district from the teacher's remarks, describing them as "hurtful" and "deeply concerning". He emphasised the right of students and families to attend schools without fear of political prejudice or safety concerns.
The social media footage showed Annie Dunleavy, who taught at Chapman Elementary School, making threatening remarks towards President-elect Donald Trump 's supporters. In the video, she said that anyone who attempted to "test" her would "end on a stretcher, gone forever" and advised Trump supporters to remove her from their social media connections.
Local news outlet WTNH reported her subsequent resignation, where she expressed remorse about the video post. In her statement to WTNH, Dunleavy explained that she acted during an emotionally charged moment and her intended message about self-defence against potential violence towards women was miscommunicated.
The incident caused significant disturbance in Cheshire community, with Superintendent Jeffrey Solan reporting in a press release to WTNH and CTInsider that the district received numerous communications from people beyond the local area.
According to local media, Solan confirmed the video was shared on the teacher's private Snapchat account, and she was initially placed on temporary leave during investigations.
Cheshire police acknowledged their awareness of the viral video and conducted an investigation. NBC Connecticut reported that by Thursday, authorities confirmed no criminal charges would be filed against Dunleavy.
The issue was raised during a local town council meeting. Amy Bourdon, a parent and Trump volunteer, characterised the video as "a death threat" to WTNH, expressing concern about an employee receiving payment from Cheshire township. Another resident, Lori Barnes, voiced reluctance about enrolling her grandson in the district if the teacher remained employed.
On November 12, Republican State Sen. Rob Sampson issued a statement denouncing the video and forwarded a letter to Superintendent Solan, calling for immediate action and emphasising that such behaviour was unacceptable within Cheshire Public Schools.
Following Dunleavy's resignation, Solan released a statement distancing the school district from the teacher's remarks, describing them as "hurtful" and "deeply concerning". He emphasised the right of students and families to attend schools without fear of political prejudice or safety concerns.
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