A special education teacher in Connecticut named Annie Dunleavy resigned after a video surfaced of her making threats and expressing violent intentions toward supporters of President-elect Trump. The viral video featured Dunleavy making threats and urging Trump supporters to confront her so she could handle them as she saw fit. Cheshire Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Sloan announced that Dunleavy has resigned after the Snapchat video surfaced. He stated that it would be impossible for the school to conduct business as usual with Dunleavy still in the building, so she was temporarily removed until an investigation was completed. The Cheshire Police Department is investigating the incident, and Dunleavy will not face any criminal charges.
In a statement, Sloan expressed that Dunleavy’s comments in the video did not reflect the school system’s position and that they were hurtful, deeply concerning, and undermined the community’s faith in the school. Connecticut state Sen. Rob Sampson condemned the video, saying that such behavior cannot be tolerated in any school system. He emphasized that educators have a responsibility to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their beliefs or their parents’ beliefs. Sampson also pointed out the hypocrisy of the political left, which frequently accuses those on the right of intolerance without evidence.
The Connecticut Educator’s Association (CEA) acknowledged the video and emphasized the importance of having respectful conversations and maintaining a positive environment in schools. CEA President Kate Dias called for civil discussions and encouraged everyone to engage constructively in conversations following the election, prioritizing respect, unity, and the commitment to educating and caring for students. Dunleavy, who appeared in an exclusive interview with NEWS 8 WTNH.com, expressed regret for her actions, stating that the message came out wrong due to high emotions. She clarified that her intention was to convey that she would protect herself if someone tried to harm her.
Sloan announced that Dunleavy resigned from her position with Cheshire Public Schools effective immediately. He expressed regret for the anxiety caused within the community and emphasized the need to focus on the positive work that educators do each day. The Cheshire Police Department confirmed that an investigation had been initiated, but no further information about the case was available at the time. Senator Sampson sent a letter to Sloan expressing concerns about the hostile language and threats in the video, calling for immediate disciplinary action to show that such behavior is not tolerated in the school district.
The incident involving Dunleavy received widespread condemnation, with many expressing concern over the threats and violent intentions expressed in the video. Educators, policymakers, and community members emphasized the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment in schools, free from threats and intimidation. The episode highlighted the need for accountability and professionalism in the education sector, with calls for clear guidelines on acceptable conduct for teachers. Moving forward, there is a consensus on the importance of fostering respectful dialogue and maintaining a positive environment in schools for the well-being of students and the community.
