Recently, Sullivan County Chancery Court issued a ruling overturning the 2021 termination of former Sullivan Central High School teacher, Matthew Hawn. This marks a turning point in a years-long battle between Hawn and the Sullivan County Board of Education.

By all accounts, Hawn was a decorated and well-loved educator since he began teaching at Sullivan Central High School in 2005. He received tenure in 2008 and upon entering the 2020/2021 school year, had an unblemished teaching record. However, things took a turn when a parent who disagreed with his lesson plan in a Contemporary Affairs class taught by Hawn.

His dismissal was confirmed by the Sullivan County Board of Education and was later upheld by an impartial hearing officer. Hawn appealed the decision to Sullivan County Chancery Court (Chancellor Katie Priester) in January 2022.

Chancellor Priester ruled the Board of Education erred in issuing Hawn’s termination and cited lack of prior performance issues and overwhelming support for Hawn from the community. She also noted that the school board failed to provide proper support and guidance to Hawn in addressing the parent’s initial complaint. The Chancery Court’s decision reinstates Hawn with backpay dating back to his initial termination in May 2021.

This case underscores the importance of academic freedom and the rights of educators to engage students in meaningful discussions on complex societal issues. As an employment attorney, I champion the protection of such freedoms and the fair treatment of all professionals in their workplaces. While I did not represent Mr. Hawn, I often represent public employees like him in termination appeal proceedings.

The fight is not over, as the Board of Education is expected to appeal this decision, but Hawn’s reinstatement is a huge win for all public employees across Tennessee.

As you can see, public employee termination appeals and grievances can be a long, time-consuming, resource-intensive process. It is vitally important to have proper counsel at all stages of this process to assure your rights are upheld. If you have any concerns you may have been wrongfully terminated, consider seeking experienced legal counsel right away. Our firm has successfully represented a number of public employees in similar termination appeal proceedings.

For more information about the recent Sullivan County Chancery Court ruling or Matthew Hawn’s reinstatement visit https://tennesseelookout.com/2024/12/20/court-reinstates-tennessee-teacher-fired-for-discussing-critical-race-theory/.