A teacher at Charles W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville, New York, was placed on leave after assisting students in founding Club America, a high school affiliate of Turning Point USA, which was established by the late conservative figure Charlie Kirk.
Jennifer Fasullo, a Spanish instructor at a school near Syracuse, was placed on paid leave in late January shortly after agreeing to support students in creating a Club America chapter, according to her supporters. A report indicated.
“The district can confirm that the employee has been placed on paid administrative leave while the matter is reviewed,” the Baldwinsville Central School District informed parents and staff in a letter dated February 10. This was in response to inquiries from various media outlets.
“While we are following established administrative and legal procedures, we are unable to comment further or share additional details at this time,” the district stated.
The school district added, “While we cannot discuss or comment on specific personnel or student issues, we want to assure our community that the health of our students, staff, and families remains our top priority.”
“The district is steadfastly committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all,” it affirmed. “Our policies and values reflect our belief that all members of the school community deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”
Students rallied to support Fasulo; a petition circulated. The teacher claimed that he was being “discriminated against because of his spiritual and political beliefs” and called for his reinstatement.
“She has been placed on administrative leave and her termination is pending,” the petition stated. “We believe that no educator should be punished for their personal beliefs.”
“Please sign this petition to show your support and return Mrs. Fasulo to her rightful home,” it urged; the petition had garnered over 2,300 signatures by Sunday.
During a board meeting on February 9, Club America President Jerry Dygert stated that Fasulo was “targeted not for his performance, but for his political beliefs,” as reported.
“Our club exists to promote political understanding through civil discussion, and the removal of one teacher who best embodies these values puts that mission in serious jeopardy,” Dygert noted.
One student remarked, “My classmates and I are confused as to why she doesn’t come to class,” describing the teacher as a “mentor” with “unparalleled” “wisdom and compassion.”
On the other hand, some parents are calling for Fasulo to be permanently dismissed, with some labeling Turning Point USA as “horrible.”
Another community member equated the high school division of Turning Point USA to an “organized hate group” and made an odd comparison of Club America to the Ku Klux Klan.
“There is no place for organized hate groups in our public schools. Do you want to start a KKK chapter or a neo-Nazi chapter?” one parent questioned.
Caleb Slater, a Republican state Senate candidate who met Fasulo through their church community, suggested that the teacher is being made an example to deter conservatives from forming clubs in schools filled with Pride flags.
“It was the students who asked for this organization to be formed, not their parents or teachers,” Slater emphasized.
For context, students wishing to establish a club on campus need to find a faculty member willing to be their advisor for official recognition by the school.
