Teachers Sue District Alleging Harassment

"Not to know is bad, not to wish to know is worse." -- Nigerian Proverb

Two Say Complaint Led to Retaliation
By Michael Higgins, Tribune staff reporter, June 5, 2002

"Two teachers at Streamwood High School have filed a $5 million lawsuit against District 46 in Elgin, alleging that school officials have harassed them since the teachers complained last fall about overcrowding in the school's special education program."

"Special education teachers Debbie Andrekus, 42, and Deborah VanZuidam, 46, both of St. Charles, filed the civil rights lawsuit Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago, accusing school officials of violating their free speech rights and causing them emotional distress."

The teachers contend that last fall the school began putting up to 24 special education students in classes where state rules allow 13. After the teachers complained to the Illinois State Board of Education, school officials began giving them undesirable assignments and manufacturing false complaints against them, the suit says."

"It's a nonsensical suit," Ascough said. "They've been working. They've been paid. They haven't lost any wages. I'm not sure what the million dollars is for."

It is revealing how Ascough focuses on wages and pay as the only thing that matters. Does he really think the inferior salaries paid to teachers justifies treating them as second class citizens? I bet those men who run slavery prostitute rings feel the same way. They pay their girls, don't they? Do we really want our children's role models to be the silence of the lambs brigade?

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