Donna Cockrel, an award-winning elementary school teacher who became immersed in controversy after bringing Hollywood actor Woody Harrelson to her class to speak about industrial hemp in May 1996, was fired by Shelby County Schools Superintendent Leon Mooneyhan on Tuesday.
In a letter from Mooneyhan attained by the Lexington Herald-Leader, the superintendent states that Cockrel was fired for alleged insubordination, conduct unbecoming a teacher, inefficiency, and incompetence. Mooneyhan claimed that his action was not based on Cockrel’s views on hemp.
Cockrel said she intends to appeal her dismissal and seek a public hearing. She has stated in the past that she believed she was being persecuted for her stand on hemp. Last July, Mooneyhan acknowledged that Cockrel was being investigated by school officials because of complaints from parents and local law enforcement officers following Harrelson’s presentation.
At that time, Cockrel adamantly defended her actions. “I still believe what I did in the classroom was positive,” said Cockrel, who participates in a state program known as Environment in the Classroom. She said that industrial hemp, as well as kenaf, soybeans and other alternatives to growing tobacco are frequently discussed in her class. “I believe in myself. My students believe in me. If I’m not allowed to teach the truth to students, I’d rather quit teaching.”
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre of The NORML Foundation at (202) 483-8751.