Lesbian teacher
fired over charges of harassment in Denver

A teacher in Denver who claimed she was targeted for being gay has been fired for what the school board said was demeaning and intimidating behavior toward students and parents. Susan Romeo, a teacher for gifted and talented children at Coronado Elementary School, was suspended in October when the school district began investing allegations against her.

The Jefferson County school board voted unanimously Thursday to dismiss Romeo for allegedly bullying students, harassing parents, and lacking sexual boundaries, which included leaning over to expose her breasts to a student. Romeo said she has not decided what she will do next. William J. Maikovich, her lawyer, said Romeo could appeal the decision to the court of appeals or file suit against the Jefferson County School District.

Romeo said in January that parents who opposed her because of her sexual orientation had been meeting as a group for several years, sometimes with administrators. She never told students she was a lesbian, she said, but she had disclosed the information to a parent who asked about it. Nancy Connick, a hearing officer who took testimony from parents, students, and district representatives in May and June, said the district failed to prove Romeo was sexually inappropriate with students. But she said Romeo should be fired because of her harsh and intimidating attitude toward some students. District superintendent Cindy Stevenson also recommended in March to the board that Romeo be fired. (AP)