Cadets speak out after JROTC instructor placed on administrative leave
May 1—A Lafayette high school JROTC instructor is on administrative leave, district officials confirmed, and parents and students are speaking out against the decision.
No criminal charges have been filed against Master Sgt. Jaamal Anderson, who has been a JROTC instructor in the SJSD for almost five years, but the teacher is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation.
The St. Joseph School District has not commented on the nature of the investigation but made a statement to News-Press NOW.
"The St. Joseph School District is aware of the situation involving Mr. Anderson and is handling it according to district policy. The SJSD is not at liberty to discuss specific details concerning personnel issues. Thank you," the statement said.
While minimal details have been released to the public, some are calling it an unfair decision and said Anderson has been nothing short of a mentor for many students and their families.
"Let me tell you, a lot of these cadets are mourning the loss of a father figure and respectable man," said JROTC executive officer Capt. Garcia. "Now a lot of students are barely functioning in school because of the impact this situation had."
Another cadet said he believes the entire situation is being handled unprofessionally and the community should be receiving a clear answer as to why Anderson has been removed from his position.
"I feel like everyone has been confused as to what is going on," said Luke Chrisman, a Lafayette JROTC cadet. "When he was escorted out of the school earlier this week, we weren't told why it was happening, just that he's being placed on administrative leave. This makes all of us mad because he always stands up for what he believes is right and treats everyone with respect."
The situation is causing frustration and concern about how the program will function for the remainder of the year, specifically for important upcoming JROTC summer camp events.
"There's teacher appreciation coming up, there's a car show that actually requested a JROTC color guard to be there," Garcia said. "That's like two days after, school ends so we're going to try and pull that off successfully, which will be hard without Master (Sgt.) Anderson here."
Command Sgt. Maj. Izabell Gastineau with the JROTC agrees that there will be a lot on her plate, and until they receive a clear reason for his leave, she calls it unjust.
"I think he goes against the administration's narrative, and they just don't like that," Gastineau said. "He's a very honest person, has very loud character to him and that bothers them."
Her mother, Raechelle Gastineau, said she believes her daughter and others will be losing someone who's made a huge impact on their lives and future careers.
"My relationship with him was always on a professional and then turned more to a personal level," she said. "When he took my daughter under his wing as a mentor, he became an intricate part of our family and changed our lives in so many ways. This is heartbreaking."
News-Press NOW will continue to follow this investigation and provide updates given to us from the district.
Jenna Wilson can be reached at jenna.wilson@newspressnow.com.
