WHEN SILENCE SPEAKS: RUSSO V. CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1
SCRIPT EXCERPT
| [From the Cross Examination of Mrs. Russo] | |
| Question: | Did there come a time when you were called into [the principal’s] office with respect to this matter? |
| Answer: | After the first observation by Mr. Loughlin, I received a memo to report to his office before homeroom the next morning, and I went to his office. |
| Question: | Tell us to the best of your recollection what was said. |
| Answer: | He asked me specifically why I didn’t say the Pledge in the classroom. I responded that I didn’t agree with the wording of the Pledge, and it was a matter of my own personal conscience, and I couldn’t be hypocritical about what I believed in. He asked me whether I considered that I would be an example to students whether I said it or not, and I replied, to the best of my knowledge, that I felt I was a better example by being truthful to my beliefs than by saying something that I didn’t believe in. . . . |
| Question: | Did there come a subsequent occasion when you again met with your principal? |
| Answer: | Yes, I did. |
| Question: | Would you tell us what was said? |
| Answer: | He said that he was recommending that my contract not be renewed. I asked him why, and he said that he did not have to give me a reason under state law. I asked him then if it was because I didn’t say the Pledge, and he said again that he didn’t have to give me a reason. I asked him out of personal consideration if he would tell me, and he said, “NO.” He told me that I would have a few days to think about it, and if I wanted to resign, I could, and then I left. |
| Question: | At any time prior to the end of the 1969-70 school year, had Mr. Loughlin criticized you in respect to the performing manner of your teaching duties? |
| Answer: | Never. |
| Question: | On any of these occasions did he remark with respect to the performance of your teaching duties? |
| Answer: | He complimented me on the fact that I had students winning various things and different displays that I had around the halls. That is all. |
| Question: | Were you ever told by any representatives of the Board of Education or the administration of the School District why you were dismissed? |
| Answer: | No. |
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