Community protests investigation into Decatur High media clerk

More than 100 people gathered on the lawn across the street from Decatur High School early this morning to protest on behalf of a suspended media clerk they felt had been wronged by district administration.

Susan Riley was called a lifeline, a surrogate mom, an endless source of information and even a shoulder to cry on by many of those who spoke on her behalf. Among those in attendance was David Dude, the new City Schools of Decatur superintendent who initially fired Riley on Friday.

Susan Riley initially was fired Friday by Dude, prompting a flood of support for the 19-year district veteran by former coworkers, parents and current and former students.