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Date: 8/8/2023
AMHERST — Following his return from a medical leave of absence, Amherst-Pelham Regional School District Superintendent Michael Morris has been the subject of a demonstration rally by supporters of the district’s LGBTQIA+ youth, party to an ongoing Title IX investigation, named in a discrimination complaint filed by Assistant Superintendent Doreen Cunningham and called out in a prior “no confidence” vote by the teachers and staffers union who are now calling for a separate inquiry into what they describe as the failures of his leadership.
Morris took leave in May, following accusations that surfaced concerning the reported actions of middle school staff towards student members of the LGBTQIA+ community. A Title IX investigation, which is still ongoing, was initiated and Finance Director Douglas Slaughter was chosen as the acting superintendent.
Almost immediately, Slaughter placed Cunningham on leave pending the inquiry’s outcome as her actions were also called into question in response to the initial allegations at the middle school, which also resulted in three staff members being placed on leave.
A day after Morris’ leave began, the Amherst-Pelham Education Association announced their “no confidence” vote in both Morris and Cunningham, citing failures in leadership, response to complaints and in collaboration with staff in addressing the issues surrounding the anti-LGBTQIA+ allegations.
Morris returned to his post on July 13 and soon announced a professional development plan for all ARPS staff as well as learning opportunities for students on LGBTQIA+ topics, with the instruction to begin with the district’s training week this month.
“I will be a learner in this PD along with every member of the school- and district-based administrative team,” Morris wrote in a letter to the ARPS community. “There will be ongoing, mandatory PD work for the administrators scheduled throughout the school year.”
Community members, including parents and students followed with a rally at the middle school on July 28 to call attention to the investigation and to show support for students and their families.
A complaint, filed by Cunningham with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination names Morris, Slaughter and the district as parties. While not commenting directly on the complaint itself, the district and superintendent’s office acknowledged receipt.
In the complaint, Cunningham cites allegations of discrimination based upon race, sex and religion citing actions and statements including others involved in activities leading up to her placement on leave.
Also included in the complaint, Cunningham’s allegations that, “The Respondents have refused to state the basis for placing complainant on administrative leave, other than to say it is in connection with the ‘Title IX Investigation.'"
The complaint also questions the inquiry itself, stating, “Respondents investigation is a charade, not an independent fact-finding inquiry. The true purpose of the investigation appears to be nothing more than a pretext for terminating complainant’s employment.”
Cunningham is seeking damages and any applicable back pay.
APEA, meanwhile is calling for the investigation into Morris’ conduct and also is questioning why he was allowed to return from medical leave without such an inquiry being initiated.
In response to Morris’ announced development plan, the union took issue with the characterization of the reported actions identified as taking place within the district, writing in a statement,
“The APEA rejects the implication that anti-LGBTQIA+ activities are systemic within the schools. In fact, the vast majority of staff are proactive and sensitive about teaching queer issues and topics, about giving students room to explore and honor their identities, and even about teaching each other through internal professional development. The systemic issue, the APEA contends, lies with this administration’s lack of responsiveness to concerns about student well-being in favor of protecting certain staff,” the statement read.
The Title IX Investigation was anticipated to be completed prior to the beginning of classes with the Regional School Committee poised to act upon the recommendations contained in the findings.