More than 100 people gathered on the lawn across the street from Decatur High School early Monday morning to protest on behalf of a suspended media clerk they felt had been wronged.
Susan Riley was fired late Friday afternoon by new City Schools of Decatur Superintendent David Dude. No reason or cause was given, said David Hughes, Riley’s attorney.
Dude backpedaled over the weekend, though, after hundreds of former teachers and principals as well as current and former students and parents took to social media decrying Riley’s dismissal. For now, Riley is on paid administrative leave.
At the “Rally for Riley” Monday, Riley was called a lifeline, surrogate mom, endless source of information, even a shoulder to cry on by many who spoke on her behalf.
Dude plans an independent investigation by a third party, and said he hopes it brings a resolution the community accepts.
He said his decision to terminate the 19-year veteran was the result of an investigation several months long. He did not elaborate on the nature of the investigation.
Hughes, Riley’s attorney, said there have been several big changes at the school lately, including a new principal for the current school year. He said he’s encouraged that the superintendent says input will be allowed as a third party is chosen to investigate.
“This all came out of the blue,” Hughes said. “I’m encouraged by what the superintendent has done to suspend (the dismissal). I hope it’s being done in good faith. We’re just trying to get a third party to re-investigate it and see what the basis was for the initial termination and whether it has any validity.”
“This is a mistake,” said former principal Lauri McKain Johnson. “A big one.”
Supporters said the dismissal doesn’t jibe with the personality of Riley, who they described as always ready to help and eager to listen to students.
“She’s been more than an inspiration,” said Denzel Taylor, 18, the school’s senior class president. “Not only is she the heart of the school, she’s the strongest shoulder to lean on. This (news) doesn’t go with her record.”
Sarah Stubbs, a sophomore at the University of Georgia, said Riley had shared concerns with others on how the year was progressing, but no one foresaw her dismissal from the job she loved and held nearly 20 years. Stubbs said she dropped what she was doing and came home from Athens for the rally.
“We want to be reminded of what we stand for,” she said of the tight-knit Decatur High community. “The firing of a teacher who has dedicated her life to this school for 19 years is not something we stand for.”
Decatur’s school board hired Dude in October, and at least one protester Monday referred to his short time as superintendent. “We know Susan,” Decatur attorney Doug Aholt said Monday morning, speaking to Dude. “We are willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. We don’t know you so we don’t know whether you deserve the benefit of the doubt.”
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