Sixth Graders in California Leave Class to Join Parents Protesting Teacher’s Move

Protests at Sacramento Elementary School Over Teacher Reassignment

On Wednesday, students from Phoebe Hearst Elementary School in Sacramento, California, stepped outside classrooms to join their parents in protesting the reassignment of a teacher.

The demonstration was centered around Janine Rupert, a former teacher at the school. Reports indicate that although she has been removed from her teaching position, she still remains an employee of the Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD).

Rupert’s reassignment stemmed from an incident last school year, where she and her students removed an old carpet from her classroom, which had reportedly been infested with fleas. This action followed her numerous requests to the district to address the issue; however, parents claim that those requests went unanswered.

The district expressed concern that Rupert’s actions could have potentially damaged the carpet material, which contained asbestos, according to reports.

Nevertheless, on September 4th, SCUSD stated that their investigation concluded no damage had occurred. They informed KCRA3, “The district fact-gathering and investigation into issues had just been completed earlier this week, and there was a determination that the asbestos tiles under the classroom carpet were not damaged when students were present.”

Following the investigation, the district planned to reach out to families to reassure them about student safety and provide necessary support.

Nearly 100 parents and students voiced their dissent at a school board meeting on September 4th regarding Rupert’s removal. Many parents expressed admiration for Rupert’s dedication to her students. One parent remarked, “Mrs. Rupert was a leader. She was an absolute joy for the school.”

Another parent, James Frasie, expressed frustration, claiming Rupert’s removal happened “with no due process.”

Rupert’s father, Tim O’Brien, attended the meeting and shared his concern for his daughter. He mentioned, “She tried to get the carpet replaced for five years and decided to take it herself. She is torn apart. She gave Phoebe Hurst life.”

Students participating in the protest mentioned that parents wouldn’t have been concerned if their children had been helping with the carpet removal. Lindy Burge, a parent, reflected, “If it was my child, I wouldn’t have been worried right away if I had lifted that carpet. After hearing, it became clear that the tiles were not destroyed or exposed.”

The parents indicated a strong desire for Rupert to return, noting that their children have faced inconsistent education since the start of the school year. “In the end, Rupert would like to go back,” Burge noted. “She wants to be back in this classroom at school. If that happens this year or next year, that would be amazing, but kids need permanence.”