New Jersey Teacher Fired For Urinating In Classroom
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A disabled New Jersey second-grade teacher has been fired for insubordination and inappropriate behavior, including urinating in his classroom.
Ron Tuitt, who uses a wheelchair because of a medical condition that causes his legs to swell, had taught in Paterson's schools since 1996.
State Education Commissioner Christopher Cerf approved removing Tuitt's tenure protection and firing him on April 18.
The state found the teacher once urinated in a classroom trash can.
The state also found that on several occasions in the 2006-2007 school year, Tuitt urinated in a plastic bottle and asked students to take his waste to the boys' bathroom and flush it.
A judge ruled that conduct "was inappropriate and unprofessional and constitutes conduct unbecoming a teaching staff member."
Tuitt was also accused of letting students sit in his motorized wheelchair, directing students to go on personal errands for him, improperly driving students home and sending inappropriate emails to parents, NorthJersey.com reported.
Tuitt denied some of the charges. A union rep told NorthJersey.com the principal made it more difficult for Tuitt to deal with his situation by removing all accommodations that had been put in place to help him with his condition.
Cerf said any changes were not an excuse for his behavior.
Featured image courtesy NorthJersey.com
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