Hell's Kitchen Students Protest Their Teacher's Removal
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Angry Manhattan students protested Wednesday the removal of a teacher who accused his principal of sending hate mail.
Dozens of students and a few teachers at Independence High School in Hell's Kitchen rallied in support of teacher Michael McPherrin.
As first reported in a NY1 exclusive report, Principal Ron Smolkin had removed McPherrin from the classroom on charges of misconduct and insubordination.
McPherrin says that Smolkin sent a letter to his co-op in June accusing him and his partner of spreading AIDS to young boys.
He has now been assigned a desk job until a disciplinary hearing can take place.
"Mike needs to stay. Ron has to go. He's a liar," said a student.
"And there's no reason to bash him because of his sexuality or whatever personal thing he has to go through," said another.
"I think this whole situation is insane. I don't know what's wrong with Ron. If it wasn't for Mike, a lot of people wouldn't have graduated," said a third.
The teachers' union plans to hold a rally against the charges on April 28.
Meanwhile, the union, the Manhattan district attorney and the State Human Rights Commission are investigating Smolkin, who denies the allegations against him.