teacher being fired for moral terpitude for being pregnant
i was wondering, is it possible for a single female teacher (in a public high school in CA) to be fired for being pregnant? I was told that a being teacher in this situation, I could be fired or lose a credential under the reason of "moral terpitude". I find it hard to believe, but I am a bit worried. any help or advice would be appreciated. i do not want to call my district office for fear of raising a "red flag". thank you.
Preganancy and Moral Turpitude
Probably not. I do not know of any specific California law on the subject, but other states have found that pregnancy is not related to the performance of teaching duties, and thus does not provide a basis upon which to fire a teacher for "moral turpitude". Past practices with pregnant single teachers may be relevant. See, e.g., New Mexico State Bd. of Educ. v. Stoudt, 91 N.M. 183, 186-87, 571 P.2d 1186, 1189-90 (1977) (concluding that the State Board of Education's decision to terminate the employment of a pregnant, unmarried teacher for immoral conduct "was arbitrary, unreasonable and not supported by substantial evidence" based in part on the fact that the local school board had retained five unwed mothers and had taken no action against them).
If you are in a unionized position, I suggest you inquire about your rights with your union.