Help Teacher Fired for Medical Marijuana
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The money raised for this GoFundMe in no way is for drugs, narcotics, steroids, controlled substances, pharmaceuticals or similar products or therapies that are either illegal, prohibited, or enjoined by an applicable regulatory body as per GoFundMe's information.
This GoFundMe will help Allison Enright pay her mortgage and other bills until she can secure gainful employment that will do that for her.
What happened to Ms. Enright on March 23, 2021 is a moral travesty. Brevard Public Schools has not clearly communicated its drug free workplace policy with its employees regarding the legalization of medical marijuana. In fact, they haven't bothered to update their drug free workplace policy since 2003. Now, they've fired a teacher after she was shoved on a flight of stairs by a student who didn't want to follow directions given him to follow the safety measures put in place for one way stairways due to COVID-19. By a 3-2 vote, Brevard Public School board members Misty Belford, Cheryl McDougall, and Katye Campbell voted to fire her. Matt Susin and Jennifer Jenkins voted to not fire her and implored their fellow board members to find another alternative.
This GoFundMe will help her pay her bills, such as water, electricity, phone, car payment, and most importantly, keep her mortgage payment current so that she does not lose her house. She is working to secure another position that will help her do that on her own so until then, let's help this wrongfully terminated teacher. She is hopeful that her story is the catalyst for change not only in Brevard County, Florida, but nationwide.
Please read the speech she gave before the school board before they terminated her. Also linked is the video of the meeting. Public comment regarding this issue starts at 22 minutes. Ms. Enright's speech is below, and you can also watch her at the link at 33 minutes. Board discussion and termination starts at 48 minutes.
BPS School Board Meeting
"Good Evening,
My name is Allison Enright and I am the educator on your agenda for the Superintendent’s recommendation for termination.
I stand here before you because of Medical Marijuana. I am not referring to the reason we are here.
I mean I STAND here, without the use of assistive devices, because of Medical Marijuana.
You see, since 2002, I have presented with several conditions that cause both severe pain and weakness. Over several years, I was prescribed multiple opioid medications and required leg braces, forearm crutches, and a motorized wheelchair. Eventually, I was told I would never work or walk again.
When we moved to Florida, through much work, I was able to return to teaching.
But then, in 2016, I sustained an injury on the job that exasperated my previous conditions. I was sent to a Worker’s Comp doctor who prescribed additional opioids. I continued to digress and feared I would be back in the wheelchair soon. Finally, in 2017, I consulted with a district-appointed worker’s comp doctor, who advised me on the procedures for replacing the opioids with Medical Marijuana.
In July of 2018, I applied for and obtained my Medical Marijuana card and am now completely healthy. I not only walk but run and workout. Rather than just functioning, I am living life to its fullest and am better able to meet the needs of my students. I have earned the rating of a Highly Effective teacher for 4 consecutive years.
Unfortunately, two months ago, while on my way to cover another teacher’s class, I attempted to redirect some students and was pushed down on the stairs. I reported the incident and was instructed to file a Workman’s Compensation claim. At that time, I disclosed that I have a Medical Marijuana Card, and would test positive for THC in my system. That is what brings me before you this evening.
I want to make it clear that I DO NOT do drugs. I don’t smoke pot. I don’t get high. I take two pills per day…one in the morning and one in the evening. I do not have any psychotropic effect from it. Medical Marijuana is my medication. It is prescribed by a board-certified medical doctor whom I see for prescription refills. It replaces the myriad of opiates that I had been prescribed. It has far fewer side effects than opioids, and I am far healthier since I’ve been taking it. It has given me back my energy, my personality, and my enthusiasm for life, which in turn, makes me a better teacher.
I love teaching. It is not just what I do, it’s who I am. I’ve been lost these past few months without my students and my colleagues. Space Coast Jr/Sr High School is my home, and I want to go back home. You have the ability to make that happen. I beg of you…please let me go back home."
This GoFundMe will help Allison Enright pay her mortgage and other bills until she can secure gainful employment that will do that for her.
What happened to Ms. Enright on March 23, 2021 is a moral travesty. Brevard Public Schools has not clearly communicated its drug free workplace policy with its employees regarding the legalization of medical marijuana. In fact, they haven't bothered to update their drug free workplace policy since 2003. Now, they've fired a teacher after she was shoved on a flight of stairs by a student who didn't want to follow directions given him to follow the safety measures put in place for one way stairways due to COVID-19. By a 3-2 vote, Brevard Public School board members Misty Belford, Cheryl McDougall, and Katye Campbell voted to fire her. Matt Susin and Jennifer Jenkins voted to not fire her and implored their fellow board members to find another alternative.
This GoFundMe will help her pay her bills, such as water, electricity, phone, car payment, and most importantly, keep her mortgage payment current so that she does not lose her house. She is working to secure another position that will help her do that on her own so until then, let's help this wrongfully terminated teacher. She is hopeful that her story is the catalyst for change not only in Brevard County, Florida, but nationwide.
Please read the speech she gave before the school board before they terminated her. Also linked is the video of the meeting. Public comment regarding this issue starts at 22 minutes. Ms. Enright's speech is below, and you can also watch her at the link at 33 minutes. Board discussion and termination starts at 48 minutes.
BPS School Board Meeting
"Good Evening,
My name is Allison Enright and I am the educator on your agenda for the Superintendent’s recommendation for termination.
I stand here before you because of Medical Marijuana. I am not referring to the reason we are here.
I mean I STAND here, without the use of assistive devices, because of Medical Marijuana.
You see, since 2002, I have presented with several conditions that cause both severe pain and weakness. Over several years, I was prescribed multiple opioid medications and required leg braces, forearm crutches, and a motorized wheelchair. Eventually, I was told I would never work or walk again.
When we moved to Florida, through much work, I was able to return to teaching.
But then, in 2016, I sustained an injury on the job that exasperated my previous conditions. I was sent to a Worker’s Comp doctor who prescribed additional opioids. I continued to digress and feared I would be back in the wheelchair soon. Finally, in 2017, I consulted with a district-appointed worker’s comp doctor, who advised me on the procedures for replacing the opioids with Medical Marijuana.
In July of 2018, I applied for and obtained my Medical Marijuana card and am now completely healthy. I not only walk but run and workout. Rather than just functioning, I am living life to its fullest and am better able to meet the needs of my students. I have earned the rating of a Highly Effective teacher for 4 consecutive years.
Unfortunately, two months ago, while on my way to cover another teacher’s class, I attempted to redirect some students and was pushed down on the stairs. I reported the incident and was instructed to file a Workman’s Compensation claim. At that time, I disclosed that I have a Medical Marijuana Card, and would test positive for THC in my system. That is what brings me before you this evening.
I want to make it clear that I DO NOT do drugs. I don’t smoke pot. I don’t get high. I take two pills per day…one in the morning and one in the evening. I do not have any psychotropic effect from it. Medical Marijuana is my medication. It is prescribed by a board-certified medical doctor whom I see for prescription refills. It replaces the myriad of opiates that I had been prescribed. It has far fewer side effects than opioids, and I am far healthier since I’ve been taking it. It has given me back my energy, my personality, and my enthusiasm for life, which in turn, makes me a better teacher.
I love teaching. It is not just what I do, it’s who I am. I’ve been lost these past few months without my students and my colleagues. Space Coast Jr/Sr High School is my home, and I want to go back home. You have the ability to make that happen. I beg of you…please let me go back home."
Organizer and beneficiary
Vanessa Skipper
Organizer
Merritt Island, FL
Allison Enright
Beneficiary