Teacher Tamara Hoover Goes Topless

As reported in an earlier post, Austin High School art teacher Tamara Hoover allowed semi-nude pictures of herself to be published on the Internet and the school system disapproved. On Tuesday, The Austin School Board recommended that Hoover's employment be terminated. Hoover has vowed to fight to keep her job.

From Chron.com:

The school district said the photos were inappropriate and violate the "higher moral standard" expected of public school teachers. As a result, she's become an ineffective teacher, she was told as she was escorted out of class last month.

The photos came to light as a result of a feud over ceramics equipment with another art teacher, according to sworn affidavits. Students who had seen the pictures showed the teacher, who then notified school officials.

The consequences of the situation have been a flood of interest and controversy that appears to be heating up. On Hoover's side are those who cite First Amendment freedom. Opposing are those who believe teacher's should set high moral standards.

Notably, the pictures posted on Flickr have been removed. More here. Also worth mentioning is that, according to reader's comments, Tamara Hoover is not married and engaged in a same-sex relationship. I don't know if those assertions are opinion or fact.

Companion post at Conservative Thinking.

Trackback to Wizbang COTT.


[Update 06/23/06]

Tamara Hoover update.


[Update 06/28/06]

Tamara Hoover interviewed on Fox.


[Update 08/17/06]

Tamara Hoover resigns.