Gregory-Portland High School students walk out of class in support of teacher

More than 100 Gregory-Portland High School students walked out of class Wednesday morning in support of a teacher they believe has been treated unfairly.

The students filed out of the building to stand near the edge of the school property facing Wildcat Drive, chanting and holding signs for passing cars to see for one class period before making an orderly return to class.

According to the students, robotics teacher Jonathan Turner was recently removed from the classroom. Described as a dedicated and beloved educator, Turner's absence has caused confusion and frustration in the community, with many finding it hard to believe he could have done anything to justify a sudden dismissal or resignation.

Gregory-Portland ISD declined to share any specific details about the situation.

"School district personnel matters are protected by law, and in keeping with law the situation related to your inquiry is confidential," district spokesperson Crystal Matern said in an email in response to a Caller-Times inquiry. "While we cannot divulge or discuss any information, we are following standard local policy and Texas state law in this matter and in accord with standard practice."

The students believe Turner was asked to resign after an incident that occurred in his class earlier this month. According to students, one student attempted to choke another student while in Turner's class. Later that day, Turner left school earlier than usual and has not returned to class since.

In response, Turner's students mobilized, speaking with administration and expressing their hopes that their teacher will return, with many robotics students claiming they did not witness any wrongdoing by Turner and do not believe his absence is justified or that he would do anything detrimental to his students.

"We were there," freshman Rogelio Tabarez said Wednesday of himself and his fellow robotics students. "We know what happened."

Tabarez was joined Wednesday by his family, including his mother and his brother, a former Gregory-Portland High School student.

Students and their families have criticized the school for a lack of communication regarding the incident.

"As a parent deeply invested in the welfare and educational growth of my children, I find the handling of this matter deeply troubling and shortsighted," parent Blanca Tabarez wrote in a letter she intends to share with school leaders.

Blanca Tabarez collected letters of support for Turner from over a dozen former and current students and family members. The letter-writers praise Turner's contributions to his students and program and criticize the district's lack of support for teachers who face behavioral issues and disruptions in the the classroom.

On Wednesday, about 20 parents and adult relatives joined the students, standing on the sidewalk outside of school with signs, expressing their support for the students and Turner.

"There has to be an explanation," Blanca Tabarez said Wednesday.

Austin Thompson and Jose Tabarez are 2020 graduates of Gregory-Portland High School and alumni mentors of the robotics program. They came out Wednesday as well to show their support for Turner, saying that Turner had a positive influence on their lives.

Turner, who is known by his students for the long hours he spent after school with the robotics team and his dedication to the growth of the program, was the school's teacher of the year for the 2021-22 school year.

"It's just wrong," senior Vivien Gordon said. "Mr. Turner is a great person."

Gordon was joined during the protest by her parents.

"She put in hours with Mr. Turner," parent Kristie Gordon said. "Not only is he a great teacher, the children look up to him and are inspired by him to go into engineering... he built this program from the ground up."

Senior Mallory Hendryx said that Turner supported his female students, inspiring women to pursue STEM opportunities.

"He made it fun for everybody," Hendryx said.

With parents standing near the road, the students stayed nearby on school property. A handful of school staff and law enforcement officials watched from a distance, but did not interfere with the students or parents.

After a full class period, student leaders led their peers back into the building to resume their studies.

The students expressed disappointment that they were unable to share their appreciation with Turner in person due to his sudden departure.

"I'm here to show the positive impact that he has had on all of our lives," senior Colton Converse said. "He's given us workplace experience that no other teacher could have. He's fought for us even in the darkest of times trying to get us funding and to get us to tournaments. So we're here for him now."

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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Gregory-Portland students, parents gather to support ousted teacher