CHAPIN, SC (WIS) -
The Chapin High School teacher accused of stomping on an American flag in front of three of his classes will appeal his termination, according to a spokesperson for Lexington-Richland School District Five.
Attorney Darryl D. Smalls advised the district his client, Scott Compton, has requested a hearing to discuss the matter. The school board will determine a date for that appeal during its regularly-scheduled meeting on Monday.
Compton, a teacher of 12 years, is facing termination because of his actions during honors English lessons on symbolism, as part of a unit on All Quiet on the Western Front.
On three different occasions, Compton allegedly threw down the American flag and stomped on it in front of students.
Smalls says Compton was attempting to show his classes that America is an "inspirational idea," greater than the "material objects that represent it."
"The intent of the lesson was to show that his actions could not diminish the foundation that America was built on and has thrived on," said Smalls. "He felt this would be an effective symbol to use with his English 2 Honors class."
The district placed Compton on administrative leave after parents characterized the lessons as disrespectful and unpatriotic.
After an investigation, Superintendent Dr. Stephen Hafter made the recommendation to the school board to fire Compton.
According to the South Carolina Teacher and Employment Dismissal Act, Compton has 15 days to respond to the request for termination. If he appeals, he has the right to a hearing before the board to prove his case.
District officials would not say if Compton is still receiving pay.
The next Lexington-Richland School District Five meeting will take place at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies at 6 p.m. The facility is located at 916 Mount Vernon Church Road in Chapin.
Copyright 2013 WIS. All rights reserved.
