A petition is circulating online requesting the termination of a Florida teacher after years of reported complaints of bullying against students. The jump-start for the appeal was when he allegedly called a biracial student a "mutt."
The Tampa educator in question, Todd Harvey, reportedly teaches at Wharton High School as part of the Hillsborough County School System and has since the '90s.
The Tampa Bay Times reported the educator was "curious" about what his biracial student, Melanie Copeland, put down for her race on government documents. He allegedly told her she should have put "mutt."
The outlet found this is among 23 unique accusations over a 17-year period, including calling students "slutty," using a transgender slur towards another and even using the Nazi salute in class.
Copeland even added an Instagram Highlight of more incidents that haven't been formally reported, such as sending her "threatening notes that were hand delivered by other students."
Melanie Copeland's Instagram highlights.@melanie.copeland | Instagram
While the last filing seemed to be in 2017, 13 teens already came forward to the Times revealing the alleged issues haven't stopped since.
Now, a Change.org petition is going around in hopes to push for Harvey's termination.
"Todd Harvey is a serial abuser with more than 20 documented offenses toward minors in the classroom. He is a homophobic, racist, misogynistic, person who should not be a teacher at all. His immediate termination is demanded on behalf of parents and students in Hillsborough County," the petition reads.
At the time of this article's publication, 644 out of 1,000 people have signed it electronically.
Harvey has been coined as a "homophobic, racist, misogynistic," teacher, as per the petition's description, and the community is hoping for a thorough investigation.
Narcity reached out to Hillsborough County Schools, but a Spring Break automated response was received, saying staff would return on March 20.
Narcity also reached out to Melanie Copeland, who has not immediately responded.
Todd Harvey has since deleted his LinkedIn account. He also does not appear on the "Teachers" tab under "Faculty and Staff" on the school's website anymore.
If you or someone you know is struggling with harassment or discrimination related to gender identity or sexual orientation, please reach out to a trusted peer, parent or health care professional or refer to these resources available across Canada. If you need immediate assistance, please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital. Support is available.
A Florida Teacher Allegedly Called A Student A 'Mutt' & Now There's A Petition To Fire Him
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