Indiana teacher resigns over student asbestos study

Jul 10, 2009

Terry Nelson, a journalism teacher and advisor at Central High School in Muncie, Indiana, handed in her notice of resignation and retirement following backlash resulting from a student newspaper exposé about asbestos in the school.

With Nelson as their advisor, two students conducted tests to determine the presence of loose asbestos in the school. Asbestos was positively identified in a sample taken from the science classroom. The students were exposed to asbestos without taking the proper safety precautions, putting them at risk of developing serious asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma.

In a letter to school board members and administrators, Nelson wrote that she was “chastised, threatened and verbally reprimanded” for the asbestos story and other news stories about gang violence, bullying and standardized tests. Nelson encouraged her student journalists to think outside the box and cover hot-button issues thoroughly. As far as asbestos testing goes, however, the newspaper advisor should have advised the student reporters about the hazards of asbestos exposure and the importance of having such testing done only by a professional.

Nelson had been afraid that she was going to get fired because of the controversy the student newspaper had stirred up. By handing in her resignation, she chose to leave on her own terms.

For the full story, go to The Star Press.

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