Suspended teachers not rehired for next year

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Two teachers suspended for posting anti-war material in their classrooms have not been rehired for next year and a third has resigned.

Heather Duffy of Rio Grande High School and Geoff Barrett and Allen Cooper of Highland High School were on short-term contracts that were not renewed, said Rigo Chavez, a spokesman for the Albuquerque school district. Such contracts expire at the end of each school year.

Duffy sent a letter of resignation before she was told her contract was not renewed, Chavez said Tuesday.

In March, administrators suspended six employees and docked them two to four days of pay after they refused to remove anti-war materials from classrooms or offices.

According to district policy, educators are supposed to serve as impartial moderators in debates, rather than teach particular viewpoints.

Barrett and Cooper were suspended after refusing to remove student artwork with war-related messages. Duffy was suspended for refusing to remove an anti-war poster.