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Audrey Esther aesther@ksnt.com Lawrence - In a place where fitting in is everything, U.S. History teacher Tim Latham says because he did not fit in politically at Lawrence High School his job is on the line.
“He was a good teacher,” said Chloe Mercer, a recent Lawrence High School graduate and former student of Tim Latham.
“He actually kept me interested. He taught it so well,” said Shelby Lewis also one of Tim Latham’s former students and a Lawrence High School junior.
Despite these students opinions about Latham it appears the Lawrence School District does not agree. The first-year teacher said he received a non-renewal of contract notice at the end of this year.
Latham declined our request for an on-camera interview, but confidant Greg Ward spoke to us on Latham’s behalf.
“The appearance is that the administrators at the high school did not like the fact that Tim did necessarily share their left-slant of political views,” Ward said.
Several students have rallied together in support of Latham through technology.
“200 and some odd students wouldn’t be in the group if he was a bad teacher,” 18-year-old Mercer said.
The group - an online Facebook group with members from across the country. Their online initiative also includes an online petition.
An official with USD 497 says the Lawrence school district can not comment on the situation.
“All teachers are evaluated and a determination is made with respect to continued employment. Non-renewals can occur based on performance, staffing re-alignments, budget reductions, etc.,” David Cunningham Director of Human Resources said through e-mail.
Ward said proving the district might fire him because of his political beliefs would be challenging to prove. However, one specific incident in which a student claims Latham compared President Barrack Obama to Adolf Hitler was taken out of context.
“He (the student) said the he (Latham) was comparing Obama to Hitler when that really wasn’t the case,” Ward said.
“It was just a lesson it just happened that Hitler was the most favorable person in physical appearances,” Mercer said.
Mercer, who’s politically liberal, said she did not feel pressured by Latham’s conservative beliefs.
“We were different but we got along,” she said.
The students say spending their summer participating in this real-life lesson in civics is worth it.
“We were listening because he (Latham) said if there’s anything you don’t feel is right stand up for what you believe in,” Mercer said.
“We do know what’s going on and we are able to stand up for what we think is right,” Lewis said.
Latham who has filed a formal grievance will meet with district officials again on Monday.
