Hello Parents,

As some of you may know, Mr. LaPlaca was removed from his teaching duties approximately four weeks ago and was assigned to work at the Bus Depot. He was released due to a parent’s complaints regarding a class assignment. The assignment was to complete an online survey conducted by the Pew Research Center. The Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes, and trends shaping the world. It is for public opinion, demographic research, content analysis, and other data-driven social science research. They do not take policy positions.

The survey was given to the students during class. These surveys have been given for the past 2 years with approval from the administration. The teacher could not see any of the answers as it was submitted directly to Pew Research itself. No identifying information was given to Pew Research. No students complained or refused to do the survey. I will attach a copy of the survey to this so there is complete transparency.  

One student called their father as they were unsure of how to answer the questions. The father consequently posted on a lot of our local PSL Facebook pages. Instead of contacting Mr. LaPlaca or the school directly with his concerns, he contacted the school board. The school board immediately removed Mr. LaPlaca from his classroom. I, along with many others, am severely disappointed in their decision. One man's complaints regarding an optional survey have resulted in the loss of yet another teacher! We now have a senior class sitting at TCHS without their Government teacher. They have even been sent to sit at the library during their Government class period without any instruction during this time. This is a class they need to graduate. No other student who took this survey found it offensive or biased whatsoever.

As it is, Florida is in dire need of teachers. As you may have heard, they are now bringing in people with NO teaching experience and no degrees to fill these spots. Our students deserve quality teachers throughout their scholastic lives. We must show support for our teachers.

I’m asking you to please sign this petition to get Mr. LaPlaca back in class with his students so that they can learn.

Thank you.

The survey: https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/quiz/political-typology/