LOS ANGELES, CA – A substitute teacher at Beverly Hills High School claims she was dismissed from her position after posting criticism of former President Donald Trump and student behavior during a pro-Trump rally on campus. The rally has drawn widespread attention after reports that Black students were harassed during the event.
Joanie Garratt, a retired teacher with nearly 30 years at the Beverly Hills Unified School District, began a substitute assignment at the high school on Nov. 4. On Wednesday, she says she received a call from an assistant superintendent informing her of her dismissal, citing her Facebook posts.
“I was shocked; I thought I’d get a warning,” Garratt said. “I didn’t say anything [about Trump] in class. I know not to say anything in class. But I am disgusted with MAGA, and Beverly Hills High School has become MAGA.”
District representatives have not responded to requests for comment on Garratt’s allegations.
The rally, held on Nov. 5, saw students wearing “Make America Great Again” apparel, cheering, and carrying Trump banners and flags. Videos of the event, which included a school security guard holding a Trump flag, circulated widely online.
At a recent Board of Trustees meeting, Black students recounted experiences of harassment and racial slurs during the rally, with some expressing fear for their safety. BHHS Principal Drew Stewart announced measures to limit large student gatherings to prevent further disruptions and ensure all students feel safe on campus.
In a Nov. 7 Facebook post, Garratt wrote that pro-Trump students had “harassed & intimidated many other non-MAGA students” and targeted the classroom where the Black Student Union was meeting. She accused the students of yelling racial slurs and blamed Trump for fostering such behavior.
In other posts, Garratt criticized Trump supporters, saying they “worship a fascist” and alleging that some Jewish Trump supporters had “aligned with the devil.”
On Wednesday, Garratt posted on social media about her dismissal, stating, “I WEAR THIS AS A BADGE OF HONOR and stand with all the teachers, past & present, who will be persecuted for expressing their views in public forum. SHAME ON BHUSD.”
Garratt maintains that she did not discuss her political views in the classroom, unlike other incidents across Southern California where teachers faced scrutiny for election-related remarks.
At Tuesday’s board meeting, Black students reiterated concerns about racism on campus, describing how the election amplified existing tensions.
“I’ve had to deal with a lot of racism my entire life, but coming to Beverly [Hills High School], I’ve unfortunately had to experience a lot more,” said Jurnee Burrell-Williams, president of the Black Student Union. “The week of the election it became utterly impossible to just ignore it.”
Teacher Bella Ivory also recounted her fear during the rally as students shouted hateful language outside her classroom while she facilitated a Black Student Union meeting.
Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy said the district is taking reports of inappropriate behavior seriously and committed to addressing student concerns through ongoing discussions with parents and staff. “We are listening to all voices as we navigate this important dialogue,” he said.
The incident underscores the deep divisions on campuses across the country as schools grapple with the fallout of a contentious election season.
