Teacher ousted after hidden camera caught her wishing conservative Christians would ‘get COVID and die'
The Texas middle school teacher who was caught on camera wishing death upon conservative Christians is no longer employed at the school.
What is the background?
Hidden video captured a Colleyville Middle School teacher, identified as Lisa Grimes, telling colleagues recently that conservative Christians should "get COVID and die." She was reportedly upset over political opposition to pandemic-related restrictions, and blamed conservative Christians for prolonging the pandemic.
"We have a political system that will not allow us to [inaudible] so we’re vaccinating like the flu, which is, you know, get the flu vaccine if you want but you can’t — don’t ‘tread on me,'" Grimes said in the video. "But it’s too late. It would have had to have been immediate. If we would have done it immediately, it’d already be gone."
"That’s what’s frustrating. The rest of my life is impacted because of politics? Because of conservative Christian crap?" Grimes continued. "I’m telling you, those conservative Christians, they need to die — they need to get COVID and die."
Conservative radio host Dana Loesch first reported the video.
What happened now?
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD announced Wednesday Grimes had been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.
GCISD School Board President Jorge Rodriguez also condemned Grimes for her remarks, explaining the school board "strongly rejects the expressions" that she made in the video.
But in a new statement on Thursday, the school district announced the teacher "will not be returning to the classroom." Even though her ouster came through resignation, Grimes' was undoubtedly pressured to leave because the story had generated national attention.
"The Colleyville Middle School teacher whose words were captured in a widely circulated online video has resigned and will not be returning to the classroom. GCISD is working to ensure that her students experience as little disruption in their learning as possible," the statement said.
"The views expressed in that video do not reflect the opinions or the professionalism of Colleyville Middle School and other GCISD employees. It is inexcusable to wish harm on those with whom we disagree," the statement added.
Texas Middle School Teacher: "Those Conservative Christians Need to Get COVID and Die" www.youtube.com
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD made national headlines last November after Colleyville Heritage High School principal James Whitfield was accused of teaching and promoting critical race theory. He, too, was placed on administrative leave before resigning, school district officials said.
However, Whitfield reached a settlement with the district allowing him to remain on paid administrative leave through Aug. 15, 2023.