Florida principal fired for second time for refusing to call Holocaust a ‘factual’ event
Florida principal William Latson insisted he was not a Holocaust denier
A Florida principal was fired for a second time after refusing to acknowledge the Holocaust existed.
William Latson of Spanish River High in Boca Raton, Florida was officially terminated on Tuesday from his administrative job in the school district after the school board voted to fire him as principal. In 2019, news erupted after he sent an email to a parent stating he, “can’t say the Holocaust is a factual, historical event because I am not in a position to do so as a school district employee,” per The Palm Beach Post.
Read More: Officials name new road in Florida after Trayvon Martin
The Palm Beach County School Board adopted a “final order” to terminate Latson from the school district entirely and the vote was unanimous.
After the email, the board voted to fire the principal but he appealed the decision. An administrative law judge sided with Latson saying the action was not termination worthy. The judge thought the school adopted a “progressive discipline” policy which means initial misconducts are met with lighter disciplinary action for principals versus subsequent violations come with more severe consequences. He was rehired with pay.
“Contrary to the [judge’s] conclusions, Dr. Latson did commit misconduct in office, incompetency, and gross insubordination, providing just cause for his suspension and termination,” according to the board’s “final order.” He was fired a second time on Tuesday.
The Holocaust was the genocide of European Jews between 1941 and 1945 across German maintained Europe.
Before the latest call to fire Latson, he claimed he was not a Holocaust denier saying, “I am not a Holocaust denier,” in a three-minute video. “I have never been a Holocaust denier. I am sorry that my comments caused people to think that.”
The board is aware he may try to fight their final decision in state court.
Read More: Florida sees 1st openly LGBTQ senator, state legislator
Take a look at the video below of Latson trying to explain himself.
Have you subscribed to theGrio’s podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!
TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today!
