Social comments on President Trump immigration policy has LI teacher out of the classroom
Some parents of students at Murphy Junior High say the teacher's alleged comments went too far.
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A Three Village Central School District teacher is out of the classroom after parents said she posted inappropriate comments aimed at President Donald Trump's immigration policies on social media.
Some parents of students at Murphy Junior High School say the teacher's alleged comments went too far.
Parents say science teacher, Pamila Pahuja, also took aim at those who voted for the president in his social media comments.
"I have a child in the school, people can feel however they want to feel, like or dislike any character who's running for office – but I read the post, it was too far," said Mary-Kate Robinson, of Stony Brook.
In a letter to parents, the principal of Murphy Junior High School said, "Ms. Pahuja will be out of school until further notice."
"Please be assured that we have taken steps to ensure a smooth transition and continued high quality instruction in science. A qualified and certified science teacher will be assigned to your child's class in her absence," the letter states.
"In general, teachers should be on the safer side about not posting on social media. I think they should keep politics out of the classroom," said Anthony Petrillo, of Setauket.
Some people that News 12 talked to say removing the teacher is going too far. Ray Garafola, of Centereach, says what she does in her own time is her business.
"Everybody's overlooking everybody else, everybody has their own opinions," he said.
"I think it's poor judgement on her behalf, do I think she's threatening, no, by no means," says Three Village parent Erin Miller. "I really don't feel it's an actual threat, you know and I'm a Trump supporter myself."
A spokesperson for the school declined to comment further, saying the district doesn't comment on personnel matters.
News 12 reached out to the New York State United Teachers Union and the Three Village Teachers Association, but did not hear back.
