Region: New London teacher placed on leave pending investigation

New London High educator facing independent probe

New London — A New London High School history teacher has been placed on paid leave while an independent investigator looks into allegations that he made racially insensitive comments in his classroom, according to school board member Jason Catala.

The Day reported last week that the school system was looking into complaints that teacher Fred Driscoll offered a detailed explanation of how to make a noose during an Advanced Placement Government class. School officials declined to comment at the time on whether any action was taken against Driscoll, calling it a personnel issue.

On Friday, an email from Superintendent Cynthia Ritchie to school board members stated that Erin Azamarskie, a tenured social studies teacher, would begin teaching the high school’s government and history classes on a temporary basis beginning Wednesday. The email stated the school system is also advertising to hire a long-term substitute to teach the classes. She said parents received a similar email.

“I hope the independent investigation can be done in a timely fashion so our students don’t suffer and can move on. Student safety is my main priority,” Catala said.

Driscoll, in a recording made by a student during an AP Government class, is heard in part saying, “The rope has to be soaked in water for a certain period of time so it has a little bit of elasticity to it, and the knot has to be tied properly. The knot has to go between the right vertebrae, so when you drop, it snaps your neck and it kills you automatically.”

More than 20 parents and students met with school administration at the high school last Tuesday to decry what they heard in the recording and its connection to lynching or suicide. Others took to Driscoll’s defense saying the explanation was given in the context of a discussion about capital punishment.

Driscoll declined to comment last week under advice of his union attorney.