A Watsonville teacher was placed on paid administrative leave after posting a pro-ICE comment on her personal social media account. Pajaro Valley Unified School District has declined to comment on the personnel matter, citing confidentiality.

Public schools are meant to model constitutional values—including the First Amendment.

This petition is not about agreeing with the teacher’s comment. Many people strongly oppose ICE and understand why the statement upset members of the community. But disagreement with a political opinion is not the same as professional misconduct.

When public employees face discipline over lawful political speech made on a private account, it raises serious concerns about free expression and due process. If school districts respond to public pressure rather than clear policy violations, it creates a chilling effect that reaches far beyond this one case.

Community members are calling on the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees to ensure that any personnel action taken in this matter is based on established policy, not public outrage, and that employees’ constitutional rights are respected.

Schools can protect students while also upholding civil liberties. These values are not mutually exclusive.

Sign if you agree that free speech and due process must apply to everyone—including educators.