Limestone Ledger

BLOOMINGTON, IN – A beloved Tri-North Middle School teacher was placed on administrative leave this week after state officials discovered a quote from John F. Kennedy in her Facebook bio.

The quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,” was deemed by Attorney General Todd Rokita to be a “politically charged statement that reeks of grooming and indoctrination.”

Monroe County Community School Corporation Board President April Hennessey said the move was about “maintaining neutrality.”

“When staff use quotes suggesting civic responsibility, it can create the impression that the district endorses things like service, sacrifice, or caring about the community and country,” Hennessey explained. “We agree with state officials, Ms. Johnson’s reckless posting of a blatantly partisan charge to be an activist could be divisive in today’s climate.”

Parents packed Tuesday’s board meeting, where emotions ran high.

“My kid doesn’t need history shoved down his throat!” said Cheryl M. Fries. “If this teacher wants to be all preachy about her favorite president, and of course he’s a liberal, she can do it on her own time.”

Others defended the teacher, holding signs with quotes like “Four score and seven years ago,” and “Yes we can.”

The board ultimately voted unanimously to prohibit all quotes on social media, in classrooms, and inside teachers’ homes and apartments not pre-approved by the district’s newly created Committee for Appropriate Inspiration.

Officials also warned staff that the use of quotes from Eleanor Roosevelt, Dolly Parton, or Mr. Rogers could result in “immediate referral to mandatory patriotism training.”

As for Ms. Johnson, she will remain on unpaid leave until she removes the JFK quote from her bio and replaces it with a district-approved inspirational phrase. Initial suggestions include “These colors don’t run,” and “We’ll put a boot in yer a**, it’s the American way.”