Spirit Day at Hebron High School is a day when teachers and students get to act silly and wear funny costumes.
Popular chemistry teacher Rahmad Chachadi wore a pink dress for Spirit's Day in February.
The students claim they were the ones who encouraged Mr. T. (as they call him) to do so.
“We laughed at the beginning of class and that was it,” said student Anthony Pagan.
But it wasn't “it”. A video of Chachadi's photo in the dress went viral.
“This is an actual teacher from Louisville ISD,” one social media user posted. “How is this acceptable?!”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott joined the online discussion, using Chachadi to continue his push for enrollment assistance, saying, “No parent should be forced by the state to send their child to this school.” Stated.
“It's like so many people are talking about him and saying a lot of bad things about him when they don't even know him,” student Pagen said. “It was harmless.”
“He does such a great job of teaching, and it was so unfair,” the Apollo Mabley student said.
The school district confirmed to NBC 5 that Chachadi has resigned from his position.
Louisville ISD added, “After a thorough investigation, the district has determined that there are no specific policies related to dress-up days for staff attire.”
In a letter shared with students late this afternoon, Chachadi wrote:
I would like to inform you that I have decided not to return to Hebron High School. After much consideration, we believe this decision is in the best interest of everyone. It was extremely difficult to see the hateful comments about me and Hebron High School on social media, and it greatly influenced my decision to remove myself from the story.
A bright spot is the support I have felt from Hebron students and staff, former students and staff, the Hebron community, and LISD. I am grateful that the school district determined that I did not violate any regulations regarding my dress-up day clothing choices. The last thing I want to do is take away from the focus on the great things our students and staff are doing, and unfortunately that's what all the outside voices are trying to do.
I hope each of you always remember that you are worthy of being valued and respected just as you are. I am happy to have been a part of your educational experience in Hebron. I wish you all the best.
Students support their teachers and say all this politics is sad.
“He never brings his sexuality or his political ideas into class. He always teaches chemistry. It's always chemistry,” said student Jui Ango.
I want each of you to know that you are worthy of being valued and respected just as you are. I wish you all the best.
Rahmad Chachadi, former Hebron High School teacher
Parents at Hebron College, who didn't want to be on camera, said they're conservative, but still, all this stuff going on with teachers in costumes is not only stupid, it's demoralizing to students. He said he thought it was hurtful.
“We're kind of split 50-50 with two different chemistry teachers. And that's the same thing that affects your learning,” Pagan said.
The school district is looking for a new full-time chemistry teacher. Chachadi has been teaching for decades, but his future plans are unclear.
