On October 28, 2023, an email was sent out to members of the Lake Braddock Middle School Orchestra, the program of Lake Braddock Secondary School (LBSS), regarding wrongful accusations of Mr. Clayton Allen, a beloved orchestra director and valued army member. Mr. Clayton Allen is at risk of losing his job, which he has worked long and hard on since 2014, as what appears to be retaliation for Clayton complaining of a hostile work environment.

The start dates back to January 31, 2023, when it was announced that Clayton would be entering military leave, but he would return in the Fall of the same year. Over the close to 10-month period, Clayton was missed dearly by students. Near when the military leave was supposed to end (circa late Summer 2023), it was announced that his leave was extended and that he was expected to miss the rest of the 2023-2024 school year. As a current member of the Lake Braddock Orchestra, this affected me and many of my other peers. 

Around a month later, the email previously stated was sent. It was almost immediately faced with backlash from students. Many of the students in the orchestra are upset about this, as he is a popular teacher, even among the high school students.

The alleged accusations are unauthorized access and entrance into LBSS while on military leave and during non-business hours; failure to adhere to communication protocols; failure to foster respectful and professional relationships with parents, students, colleagues, and the Orchestra Booster Board to ensure program success; and failure to adhere to financial policies, regulations, and procedures. Since 2014, Clayton has been granted access to campus during non-business hours to prepare substitute teachers and lesson plans. LBSS had acknowledged the fact that Clayton also worked in the military and that his time before business hours was to ensure the success of the Lake Braddock Orchestra during his leave.

As a current student of Clayton, the accusations of "failure to foster respectful and professional relationships with parents, students, colleagues, and the Orchestra Booster Board to ensure program success" are false. Clayton has touched many hearts and has never had a bad experience with his students.

Clayton has also always remained in the budget for the orchestra, having received constant funding from families and his Orchestra Booster Board. The funding was used for spare strings, instrument repairs, music, and other orchestra-related items.

It was also learned by students that Lake Braddock Secondary School had hired a new orchestra teacher without advising Clayton. Who said teacher is has yet to be announced. 

I and my peers at the LB Orchestra solemnly request your support by signing this petition. It is very likely that if no action is taken now, Clayton will lose his job. This is a very time-sensitive matter and your help would be greatly appreciated.