Anti-gay harassment costs taxpayers $25,000

..and another state to avoid in America! ..hmm, at this rate LGBT Americans won’t be able to barely go anywhere in America and be treated fairly and equally under the law…..Liberty & Justice for All my behind! They are Empty Meaningless words..that make America sound better then it actually is in reality!

this article should include the support the boy is receiving and any changes being addressed in the school. and the name of the school.

The name of the school is STEP, and the parents brought this information to the attention of the administrators, and requested that their son be moved to different classrooms. Instead, Anoka Hennepin ignored their requests until the parents had to move their son to another school and sue the district. The district still isn’t taking responsibility for the problem, and the teachers were never punished.

Hey, this is the 6th District, home of Michele Bachmann.

I’m sure she is pleased to know that adults in power are abusing children and not being held accountable.

As a high school teacher, I am APPALLED that these teachers are allowed to keep their jobs. The parents in Anoka-Hennepin district should be up in arms. I would not allow my child to attend a school that has this kind of potential for harassment from other students, much less the staff. Bullies like Cleveland and Filson do not belong in the teaching profession.

They got off cheap. Hopefully the money goes into a college fund for the kid.
Nancy’s right, these people do not belong in the classroom.

This is largely Gov. Pawlenty’s fault. If the Safe Schools bill was so unnecessary, then why was it introduced and successfully voted on?

~~~

Disgusted American: Have hope. Minnesota is misguided, but not hopelessly so. I certainly feel safer, as a gay male, in Minnesota than other states.

~~~

But yes, the teachers need to be booted out, or at the least slapped severely on the wrists.

[...] de deux professeurs a coûté 25000 dollars aux contribuables du Minnesota. Sur The Minnesota Independent [...]

I’m glad school districts are finally feeling some repercussions for this sort of behavior – although $25,000 seems pretty paltry. After the lawyers are paid, the student isn’t likely to get much.

I endured similar jibes from teachers in my school days (in the 1960s) in a district in a rural area and was too afraid to tell anyone. My parents certainly wouldn’t have gone after the school district if I had told them. I doubt that I’ll ever really recover fully from the damage that was done to me in those formative years. It at least feels good to see that things have changed a little.

thank you all for looking at this and taking your time to write. the boy in this story is my brother and the 25k that this school district got off with was nothing. he deserves his self worth and his friends and everything else a young teen should have back in his life. he is such a strong young man now and im very happy his story is reaching all of you and hopefully helping out some other child out there who is going through something in the same refrence.

All of you people who are re-printing what the Star Tribune and other sources have reported no nothing about the situation. Do you want to know about some of the facts the news decided to neglect? The so called innocent student and his family have not only spun some tales themselves, but they have also neglected to tell more of the story. Several days before he brought the complaint forward, and for the record he named only the female teacher, not Mr. Filson, threatened several other students that he was going to bring a gun to school, he was then disciplined, and it was only after that that his mother contacted the school with her first complaint. A day after his mother called about him being punished for one of his “little jokes” about bringing a gun did the student claim sexual harassment. Then as the days went on and his story continued, the boy at this time claiming he was gay, his family did some interesting things. His family had had their house on the market for almost two years, never once receiving an offer. At one point they tried to make a deal with the school district that they would drop all the allegations if the district would buy their house from them. Well the district obviously didn’t bite, after that the boy came out with more claims. His family continued to make Mr. Filson’s and the other individual’s life difficult. Now I believe that anyone and everyone should be allowed to love anyone they want and be proud to say it, gay or straight. However high school is a cruel place, and when you say things like “Shakespeare is sexy”, in the middle of a class lecture you cannot expect to be safe from teasing, (granted teachers should not engage in such things and do everything they can to prevent it, however a student should not go looking for trouble if they don’t want to deal with the aftershock). People make mistakes and some say things or do things that they later regret, however they should not be judged solely on one mistake they may have made in their life. As you may have picked up I am defending mainly Mr. Filson, I have known his for 20 years and know for a fact that he would never have done what the kid claimed he did. Mr. Filson is an honorable man who treats everyone he meets with respect, even those who don’t deserve it. Everyone is going to have their opinions on this situation, and those of you who jump to judging let me add a few more things, the school district never actually performed and investigation on Mr. Filson, they never officially took his side of the story, and the boy when making the initial claim didn’t even mention Mr. Filson; and since the Star Tribune published their article the boy has renounced that he ever claimed to be gay. What we have here is the actions of a boy and his divorced mother who saw an opportunity to walk into some money. None of you know anything about Mr. Filson, the good man he is and wonderful teacher, so please before you judge make sure you have learned all the facts to the story, and don’t get them all from the media.

Anonymous:
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights report (Case 51679) clearly lists both Filson and Cleveland. If you’d like to go on record about your allegations about the student, feel free to contact us.

That was written after the student and his family filed suit, find the orginal complaint the student made to the STEP school, it will be different.

Annonymous, Identify your self Mr.Filson. This is alex merritt, let the record show I never had any Gun incident at STEP, if so i would have been expelled or thrown in Jail. So that lie is a bunch of horseshit. The allegations aren’t lies. If they were all lies, why did MN Dept of Human Rights, MN Attorney General, STEP Admin and the School District all look into the case. You are such an ungodly person, Man up Mr.Filson! this isn’t annonymous this is Walter Filson, Are you ashamed of what you “didn’t do?” if your not ashamed of what you did to me, attach your name to your blogs you coward. You have no right to sit behind your computer and tell lies, when you cant even answer your phone for any reporters! You deserve to be fired, you and Mrs.Cleveland. how about this irony one of you two teachers, you know who you are, tried to allow your own son as a young boy to carry a tazer to prevent your own sons teasing and harrassment. Now you are above and beyond the law, so its ok for you to tease and harrass another student?! Walter and Diane , you two are very disrespectful and dont deserve the right to be in a classroom. You violated my rights, as a human being and as an american soldier who fights for those very rights. Violate anybody’s rights, and you deserve to be fired. Sleep well tonight.

Oh my…..I think it is time for a word from Mr. Winston Churchill.
“Woe to the coward who hides behind the name Anonymous. It would be best and most honest you call yourself by your true name….Liar.”
These words are for you Anonymous: Identify yourself…provide evidence for your allegations and then maybe….just maybe… you will have the courage to offer Alex and his family the apology they deserve from you.
When you stand before the creator you will be held accountable not only for every idle word you wrote… but also for the fact that you hid behind a most cowardly effort in spreading the lies you shared. Certainly you have drawn these most rediculous conclusions completely unemcumbered by the facts or the thought process.
Stand forward Anonymous! Sign in and put your “facts” up against the findings of District 11, the Human Rights Department and the story of Alex Merritt. Let your “truth” be held against their’s. I have no doubt that you will continue to hide without any substantial action, all the while accusing from the cowardice shadows of your life.
When Alex and his family read your entry it was dead quiet until they read the part about wanting the district to buy their house and that Alex had changed his story from being gay to straight. It was then the house shook with a mixture of laugher and anger. You should have taken more time on both those lies… they can be easily traced and dismissed by all parties involved.
The truth makes a wonderful floatation device for those who will reach out and hold on. Alex had the fortitude and courage to step forward and speak the truth. A courage you could not seem to find in yourself. This may have been a hit and run moment for you. I can only assume that it was. But a liar is always followed by his lies. They are lies that will one day sink you. The greatest part of that is Alex and his family don’t have do a thing about it. They are floating far above the lead weighs of your comments.

May God have mercy on your soul.

Anonymous aka Walter Filson,
I really feel sorry for you, Walter Filson. For the harassment, of Alex Merritt, you dished out day in and day out with Diane Cleveland, with out thinking anything of it, you thought it was funny, the two of you were ruthless. It wasn’t just A COMMENT, it was several a day with Cleveland, then after having a lunch break with the coward (Cleveland) she told you everything she harassed/abused Alex about that day and guess what???? Alex came to your class, you even taped older man to his desk so you could poke fun of your own, plus you carried on her harassing stories. Wow you two must really feel wonderful about yourselves. You say it didn’t happen? Read the Dept of Human Right again explaining your actions and Cleveland’s actions. Plus, the investigation also proves 6 kids in Diane Cleveland’s class came forward. In fact the abuse did take place and SHE did harass my son. Then and only then, did 4 kids from your class step forward and said YOU also abused him a few times a day. Both of you were big man on campus harassing Alex and now neither one of you will speak out to other adults of what you both have said and done. Sounds to me your silence is admission to guilt.
Let’s just address the fact that you came out and stated I asked the school to buy my house, and when they said no, I started to pursue our harassement case. You also said my house was on the market for 2 years? What a ludricus lie that was, our house was on the market and sold at the beginning of the 11th month. You also mentioned we didn’t have any offers? Ha, were you there when our house had three offers? Do your homework before you have your mouth running off full of lies. Lies that will back to bite you in the back later. Public records will prove when the house went up for sale and the time it was sold. Just those two facts, or shall I say your made up facts are just as crazy as you are.
Now let’s address the so called fact you said that Alex brought a gun into class,first of all he would of been punished. It would of been in his record, he would of been expelled, and it would of been splashed all over the news. FACT is? That never happened! Anyone with a thinking cap would know something like that would of been put in his record, check his file, YOU won’t find one negative thing in his file. He has never had detention and not one teacher has ever, ever spoke about him in a negative way. He has always been a good natured kid, who repected authority until you, Filson and Cleveland, came along. The two of you not only lost his respect, my respect, but how about all the viewers watching the news on tv, newspaper and also internet you both lost their respect as well.
Oh, then how about the fact that you said Alex was gay, and then he changed his story about being straight. My son was and isn’t gay. He was just harassed by two ignorant teachers who thought they were funny,by being a bully at school. Isn’t school suppose to be a safe place? Instead Diane Cleveland and Walter Filson made it a hostile environment. Shame on both of you. You even stated that Alex said in a classroom that Shakespear is sexy during a lecture? He didn’t study Shakespear in STEP, nor did he say anything like that. Why is it that your able to make up your own little facts along the way and then stand behind the name anonymous? Maybe because your able to hide behind the screen, and you are too much of a coward to attach your name.
My only hope was to have the two teachers , Filson (you) and Cleveland removed from the district so no other child would go through the abuse the both of you dished out, and for what purpose? To make yourselves look better? Since the media, there has been blogs written that Ms Cleveland has abused and harassed a female student, taunting her on a daily basis that she is still affected today. What a shame, just backs up our theory this isn’t the first time it has happened, it was the first time you both were caught. I am proud of Alex that he stood up for himself, he also stood up for the other kids in his class that might of been gay. After seeing the abuse Alex took from two teachers on a daily basis, those students will never ever come out of their closets, you just put a nail in thier coffin.
Again, I ask, get your facts straight and tell the truth before you start spouting off your mouth with lies. Both of you have given Alex, myself and the viewers such a horrific image of what you two teachers stand for. I know there are very good teachers in the district and in other districts. The fact is, you two are not deserving to teach any students ever again. My guess there will be several parents pulling their kids out of your classes this year, you can thank yourselves. It’s sad that the district is trying to pick up the garbage you left along the way.
I’m really wondering, “how do the two of you sleep at night”?

Alex’s mom.

Mother of Alex
Comment posted August 21, 2009 @ 12:48 am
Anonymous aka Walter Filson,
I really feel sorry for you, Walter Filson. For the harassment, of Alex Merritt, you dished out day in and day out with Diane Cleveland, with out thinking anything of it, you thought it was funny, the two of you were ruthless. It wasn’t just A COMMENT, it was several a day with Cleveland, then after having a lunch break with the coward (Cleveland) she told you everything she harassed/abused Alex about that day and guess what???? Alex came to your class, you even taped older man to his desk so you could poke fun of your own, plus you carried on her harassing stories. Wow you two must really feel wonderful about yourselves. You say it didn’t happen? Read the Dept of Human Right again explaining your actions and Cleveland’s actions. Plus, the investigation also proves 6 kids in Diane Cleveland’s class came forward. In fact the abuse did take place and SHE did harass my son. Then and only then, did 4 kids from your class step forward and said YOU also abused him a few times a day. Both of you were big man on campus harassing Alex and now neither one of you will speak out to other adults of what you both have said and done. Sounds to me your silence is admission to guilt.
Let’s just address the fact that you came out and stated I asked the school to buy my house, and when they said no, I started to pursue our harassement case. You also said my house was on the market for 2 years? What a ludricus lie that was, our house was on the market and sold at the beginning of the 11th month. You also mentioned we didn’t have any offers? Ha, were you there when our house had three offers? Do your homework before you have your mouth running off full of lies. Lies that will back to bite you in the back later. Public records will prove when the house went up for sale and the time it was sold. Just those two facts, or shall I say your made up facts are just as crazy as you are.
Now let’s address the so called fact you said that Alex brought a gun into class,first of all he would of been punished. It would of been in his record, he would of been expelled, and it would of been splashed all over the news. FACT is? That never happened! Anyone with a thinking cap would know something like that would of been put in his record, check his file, YOU won’t find one negative thing in his file. He has never had detention and not one teacher has ever, ever spoke about him in a negative way. He has always been a good natured kid, who repected authority until you, Filson and Cleveland, came along. The two of you not only lost his respect, my respect, but how about all the viewers watching the news on tv, newspaper and also internet you both lost their respect as well.
Oh, then how about the fact that you said Alex was gay, and then he changed his story about being straight. My son was and isn’t gay. He was just harassed by two ignorant teachers who thought they were funny,by being a bully at school. Isn’t school suppose to be a safe place? Instead Diane Cleveland and Walter Filson made it a hostile environment. Shame on both of you. You even stated that Alex said in a classroom that Shakespear is sexy during a lecture? He didn’t study Shakespear in STEP, nor did he say anything like that. Why is it that your able to make up your own little facts along the way and then stand behind the name anonymous? Maybe because your able to hide behind the screen, and you are too much of a coward to attach your name.
My only hope was to have the two teachers , Filson (you) and Cleveland removed from the district so no other child would go through the abuse the both of you dished out, and for what purpose? To make yourselves look better? Since the media, there has been blogs written that Ms Cleveland has abused and harassed a female student, taunting her on a daily basis that she is still affected today. What a shame, just backs up our theory this isn’t the first time it has happened, it was the first time you both were caught. I am proud of Alex that he stood up for himself, he also stood up for the other kids in his class that might of been gay. After seeing the abuse Alex took from two teachers on a daily basis, those students will never ever come out of their closets, you just put a nail in thier coffin.
Again, I ask, get your facts straight and tell the truth before you start spouting off your mouth with lies. Both of you have given Alex, myself and the viewers such a horrific image of what you two teachers stand for. I know there are very good teachers in the district and in other districts. The fact is, you two are not deserving to teach any students ever again. My guess there will be several parents pulling their kids out of your classes this year, you can thank yourselves. It’s sad that the district is trying to pick up the garbage you left along the way.
I’m really wondering, “how do the two of you sleep at night”?

Alex’s mom.

As a graduate of the Anoka-Hennepin district I can only say that this doesn’t surprise me in the least. (Anyone remember the All-American Boys and Girls?) Those teachers should be canned. What if the kid had killed himself because of the harrassment? How is is that they supposedly have anti-bullying measures in place to protect kids from other kids but not from teachers? I can’t believe that the district let Cleveland weasel her way out of the diversity workshop she was supposed to be attending by calling in sick! What?? Having disgusting people like Cleveland and Filson teaching young people is a travesty. Start screaming people and don’t stop until they fire those losers.

For the record I am not Mr. Filson, my name is Justine, I am his daughter. I am only one of the many people standing up beside him, we will not give up until my father’s name is cleared of these lies.

Let me set another thing straight, I am not here defending Ms. Cleveland; I know not who she is, and what kind of teacher she was. If she really did harass you Alex and that other student that was very wrong.
I am here defending my father, and to each of you I have something to say.
Alex, the investigation was not a complete one, a complete investigation requires every individual involved in the accusation to be interviewed, and then some. However you were the ONLY one interviewed, never once was my father, and never once were any of your fellow classmates that were in my father’s class interviewed, how can one be labeled guilty of something without the ability to tell their side of a story? Second, you have violated the confidentiality agreement you were a participant of after your last meeting with the school and my father, I know this because he explained to me how you have released some things to the public that were discussed only in that meeting, never before. Which means that right now the Union could be looking into what can be done about that violation that has occurred? Thirdly, I hope you are very happy about getting your $25,000, but my question to you is this, if you believe that you were truly harassed and that you really wanted these teachers never to be “able to do it to another student”, why did you and your family take the settlement? Why didn’t you bring it to court and fight harder for what you believed you deserved? Fourth, you have made a very big mistake by allowing the media to slander my father, and allowing you mother’s boyfriend, is that Mr. Engen, the former pastor, to slander him on his radio show, for your family has chosen to take that path my family has something on you, it is called defamation of character with malice, which means that we can bring a civil suit against you for attempting to ruin my father, and we are also able to bring a suit against the district for leaking him name to the media when his name was never actually stated in the original written complaint, we know it wasn’t, we have copies. I hope you are ready for a fight, you have caused my father, a good man, so much pain, a boy who used to sit in his classroom during lunch and ask questions and have discussion, and he had nothing against you, and is saddened by what you have chosen to do.
To you Ms. Merritt, I believe that you are unaware of some things that I know. I happen to have a friend in the realty business, she checked out your house and found that your realtor changed the house code, so it looked to potential buyers that it was on the market for a shorter amount of time that it actually was, she has printed proof of this; that is a crime and I hope your realtor knew that. If I was mistaken about the actual amount of time it was on the market that is my mistake, but I know that I was not mistaken about your son bringing up the threat of a gun, that I know is a fact, because several former students that were your son’s classmates were there and have also attested to this fact, just this last weekend they all came together and wrote a letter telling their side of the classroom setting and sent it out to every major newspaper and television station. You were never in that classroom, you believe what your son tells you, which most mother’s would, and because you love your son I would expect nothing less. But everything children tell their parents isn’t always true; it may have been about Ms. Cleveland, but not my father. You know nothing of who is his, how much he has done for students; he has more dignity; kindness and love in his baby finger than many people do in their whole bodies.
So I ask you, your son, your radio DJ partner-former pastor, and the rest of the community that has judged him before they know the whole story to take a step back and ask yourselves this: Do you find joy out of ruining a man’s reputation? Do you feel good at night knowing that you have turned a wonderful man into someone who can no longer feel happiness even with his own family? And most importantly of all, for a family that has chosen to hope that God has mercy on my soul, have you forgotten that God, whatever he/she/it may be, can see the truth deep beneath a pile of lies, and he/she/it will make sure that one day, possibly not tomorrow or next week, but one day will make sure that the truth is known.
I will end by saying, and if you chose to believe nothing from this statement but this fine, but I am not Walt Filson, I am in fact his daughter Justine; and I am not a coward that will allow you do destroy a man I love more than life itself.

Me thinks you are not thinking correctly nor are you getting accurate information. Sadly you are doing exactly what you are accusing us of doing.
Just for the record… at NO TIME did I ever mention your father’s or Ms. Cleveland’s name on the radio. Not once, The Mn. department of Human Rights made this case their case of the month. That put the findings and facts into the hands of the public. That made it fair game for all media outlets. The “media” follows a number of websites for the latest in decisions and actions that are news worthy. Each Media outlet acts on their own. No one involved “allowed” the media to slander your father. Public information is public information. The media has the choice to run with it or ignore it. No one gives them permission or direction. There is no defamation… there is no malice. There are only the facts and findings of District 11 and the Human Rights Dept. Neither the District or the Human Rights Department made their decisions in a vacuum. Kids in the classes were interviewed and those findings were verified. They were again verified by the Dept. of Human Rights. These people are not idiots. They did their job… they red checked their facts and both found substantial cause.
Your father slandered? No… just think what he and Ms. Cleveland did to the heart and mind of a young man who put himself in their care. What should have been a place of safety became a place of pain.
Second… it is not a crime to reset the sale price of a house. It is standard practice in the Realty industry to take a house out of public listing,,, reset the selling price and then introduce the house at the new price. Whoever this friend is you have in the Realty business needs to get out.
The whole issue about the gun? That is just stupid…. you don’t know enough to even comment on that.
It is extremely difficult to sort out truth when clouded by emotion, Your father and the issues would have been better served if you had let the truth rise to the top rather than “defend” your father by clouding the conversation with misinformation. No one ruined your father’s reputation… the facts are the facts. If Christ is in him then he should apologize to Alex and the whole student body.

anonymous/justine
Are you kidding me? What the facts stated in the dept of human rights,along with the tv news, plus the newspaper, do you really think any of them are willing to put their neck on the line with lies? No, they all have been in the business for a very long time stating FACTS is their job.
The facts say your father and Cleveland harassed the boy. If either one of the two teachers ever thought about harassing one of my kids I would of gone hillbilly all over their ass without taking it to the district and handled things my way man to man.
Your dad a good man? MY ASS!

Unfortunately Justine, your father’s name will not be cleared…he is guilty, as the school’s OWN investigation proved. My son was a student in your father’s class and was questioned by investigators, as were many of the students. It was very easy for your father to get kids to join along and laugh at this cruel game in the school room, but unfortunately for him, when kids are questioned by authorities, they tell the truth.
Secondly, Alex Merritt’s family is no longer pursuing this…your father has angered the gay community, they have picked up the ball, and they are going to run with it. Your father should have thought about the results of discrimination.
I am just waiting for the first day of school this year….I hope your father enjoys himself, because it’s not going to be “his many supporters” as you say, that are waiting to greet him.

It’s not about your father being mistreated at this point Justine. I understand it is your dad and you will protect him through this whole thing. But, if your father is being accused of something he didn’t do why is he not talking? Human Rights would love to hear from him with facts about the classroom. Maybe he can’t “enjoy” his family anymore cuz he isn’t even being honest with you.

My child attends Mr. Filson and Mrs. Cleveland’s school and is very much straight, but she will be removed from their classroom if her schedule reflects them as a teacher. MAybe if all of us parents demand our children not be put in their classroom, we can run them out. I have a right as a parent above the school to protect my child. AND SHE WILL NOT STEP FOOT IN A CLASSROOM THAT THESE TWO TEACHERS ARE A PART OF…

Wow, if I made even one of the comments these teachers did at my place of employment, I would be terminated before the sun went down. Zero tolerance for harrassment in the adult workplace but teachers can verbally abuse students? What is this school district thinking – do they have policies and procedures from the 1950′s?
Oh, and Justine, you are evidently getting desperate with your ranting and raving, and slandering a family. Pretty sure if your accusations were true about the family trying to sell their house to the school district, it would have been one of the first things discovered in the investigation. All of your other alleged ramblings have absolutely nothing to do with this case, and they show your true character.

I’m beginning to think that there is another side to this story! If even half of what each side says is true, we’re in for some fireworks.

On one hand, we have

(1) Name calling by teachers
(2) Victimized student
(3) Human rights violations
(4) School investigation finds against teachers
(5) $25,000 settlement
(6) Multiple witnesses

On the other hand, we have:

(1) A student who threatens to bring a gun to school
(2) Real Estate improprieties
(3) A divorced mother with financial troubles looking to cash in
(4) A straight, no gay, no straight son who claims veteran status
(5) Slanderous comments on the radio
(6) Teachers not questioned in the Human Rights investigation
(7) only 20% of the students in the class backing up the accuser. 80% didn’t. (Assuming 30 kids in a class, but what do I know, I don’t have school-aged kids)
(8) Teachers not named in the suit
(9) A quick and (relatively) cheap settlement
(10) Victim violates a hush clause in the settlement
(11) A victim unavailable shortly due to joining the military
(12) Accusations that the victim changed the accusations mid-stream

Wow! And we didn’t even touch on embezzling from churches or killing puppies, did we? See… I **knew** that there was more to the story than what we were hearing! And you all laughed.

Justine – thanks for voicing the other side.

Now, play nice everyone let’s not go all Godwin on this (see Godwin’s Law on Wikipedia).

Gotta agree with Doug. I see that there is more coming out of this than what I read in the papers or heard on TV. Teachers NOT questioned by the Human Rights Department? Didn’t they put out the report? I feel for this student who feels he was harassed but at the same time wonder what the other side has to say. I assume attorneys are telling them not to speak? Does silence = guilt? I am riding the fence on this one…

Wow,,,, Doug and out loud…. apparently you believe anything you hear… there is a bridge in Brooklyn you should buy,,, I hear it’s for sale. Justine needs to be careful. Slander is not slander when the truth is told… but it is slander when it is a lie. There are no fewer than 17 verifiable lies in Justines postings. Be careful Justine,… the lawyers are watching and keeping copies.

Bryan * ” I believe anything I hear?” No. But I don’t believe everything I read either. Like I said, I do not pass judgment until all the facts are know and until I hear from the othre side, I will not pass judgment, it’s healthy and rational to question everything until it’s all laid out on the table.

Out Loud,
Wow, ** I believe anything I hear? What you are hearing is the lies of Filson and Cleveland. The 12 points that Doug made about our family is outrageous. All 12 are lies and Doug, Filson,Cleveland and Justine know it.
These two teachers harassed my son everyday of his 1st semester that he was in step. I would challenge any of you if your kids were harassed like this, how would you handle it.
My son is not gay nor did he claim to be gay, two ignorant teachers thought it was funny, and it wasn’t. After seeing the news a few minutes ago the teachers are removed from teaching at the step program where they were bullying a student. Did either one of you teachers realize your joking and harassing a kid ruining his life could ruin yours as well?? Does that tell you anything?
All we asked is to remove two teachers from harassing a student it was not only against school policy but it was against the law. They were caught and now removed.
We have done nothing wrong, we stood up to techers that were taunting, harassing and bullying a teacher and thought it was funny. Wonder how it feels now that we stood up to them, the parents in the district stood up to them , the gay community stood up to them and the people hearing this story said enough this, let’s not forget the district’s investigation along with the Dept. of Human Rights stood up to them…
I’d like to know who is standing up for these two hateful teachers??? Would any of you put your students in the class? Knowing they may be their next target? Because other students are coming forward about being harassed by this teacher in the past.

“Doug” is really Justine the daughter of Walt Filson. She has been parading all over the blogs giving out bogus information. She even added to it this time around. The facts are in and we have two very guilty teachers and a daughter who has little if any conscience.
Remember “Doug” as this grows bigger you will be called upon to back up your claims. I hope you are ready.

DID you know the district just told the teachers you are no longer working here? Must mean even the district thought the teachers were guilty. Funny how the truth always comes out in the end.

Thank you for your comment. I understand that as the parent of this young man you have a very different take on the situation. I simply want to underscore the fact that all I have read in the paper and seen on TV is one side of the story, be it right or wrong. I believe in hearing from both sides before passing judgment on anyone. As far as putting my students in their class? I have children who have moved past high school but again I would like to see the other side before I pass judgment on whether or not I would have them teach my children. With all due respect I like to think that I am not someone who judges based on anything but the facts. Until I hear them ALL I choose to reserve judgment.

For the record – Actually, my name really is Doug. You don’t need to use quotes around it. I have never met Justine. I’m sure your name isn’t really “for the record” though (who, don’t be fooled, is actually a tree in Rice Park). Odd little comment, that. I guess I’m kind of aligned with “Out Loud” (who I hear is actually a statue at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts) in that I have only heard one side and it now find it interesting that I am hearing both. But if being open minded about this until it has some legal review is being gullible… color me gullible.

Raibow01 – one of the teacher’s lawyers was on NPR this morning (you might be able to hear it on their website, I don’t know – I don’t spoon feed, look it up yourself) and said that the leave was voluntary and medically related (I got the impression of stress, but I don’t recall if the lawyer actually said that or if I thought it) – don’t rely on my memory here, I was driving at the time and only 1/2 paying attention. So, the district did not kick them out – actually, the school board continues to stand behind the teachers – isn’t that what we’re all upset about?

Okay – a little spoon feeding – here is the quote from the Strib:

Cleveland’s attorney, Phil Villaume, said: ‘Our position is that she is taking an unpaid, voluntary leave of absence at her request. … This was done in the last week, and it was her decision and her decision alone.’ Villaume doesn’t represent Filson and couldn’t comment on his status. Filson couldn’t be reached for comment.

…

Cleveland’s attorney, however, said his client’s decision to voluntarily take a leave means “she can go back anytime she desires.”

“This whole thing has been very, very traumatic for her,” he said. “Her leave is indefinite and I have advised her to wait and let this resolve itself. … There’s an organization calling for her to be terminated, and it’s not going to happen. She’s not going to resign. The discipline that has been imposed has been imposed, and this is done. And that’s basically the end of the story.”

—-

There you go – that’s a little different from what I heard on the radio this morning, but I think it’s the same point.

Rainbow01 – sorry to shoot you down in public, but facts is facts. Don’t take it as a personal attack, it wasn’t meant as such.

Kudos Doug… someone is finally on the right track here. I also heard the attorney on the radio and find it interesting that these teachers and their attorneys are being so silent. Tells me they are gearing up for a fight.

I don’t believe for a second that Diane’s leave was voluntary. Her attorney is trying to make her look better. Are we supposed to believe she and Filson voluntarily went on leave on the same day? Doubtful. The attorney said “OUR POSITION is that this leave is voluntary.” Even his word choice gives him away. It’s what they want us to think, and Diane doesn’t want her image to get any worse because she’d already so “traumatized.” Maybe she should have thought about the potential consequences of her words and actions before she chose to humiliate one of her own students on a regular basis.

Regarding the leave, I’m guessing there may be some kind of appeal process that she’s choosing not to pursue which is how she and the attorney can say this is voluntary. Or maybe the district is allowing her to say its voluntary while they keep their mouths shut. The district is afraid of both sides now. They clearly took action (finally) because they’re afraid of the public pressure and negative media attention they’ve been getting. And now they won’t give details about the nature of the leave because they’re afraid of violating data privacy laws.

So to “doug” and out loud and anyone else wondering about “the other side of the story,” Cleveland and Filson won’t talk and neither will the district. It’s not as if the media is purposefully shutting them out. They’ve had multiple chances to talk and have said nothing to defend themselves. It makes sense considering that the abuse occurred during the 07-08 school year and has been thoroughly investigated and proven. Multiple witnesses have confirmed that the abuse Alex described did occur. The districts OWN investigation admits that its all true. So basically they’ve already been found guilty. The reason this is such a big story is that Anoka-Hennepin continues to employ them.

And by the way, NONE of Justine’s outrageous claims have the slightest bit of evidence to back them up. If there was anything to it, it would have been reported. The gun thing? c’mon…if it were true, there would be a record of it and there isn’t. Filson is clearly feeding his family a bunch of lies to explain/justify his behavior. I would laugh if it weren’t so sad.

The bottom line is that Cleveland and Filson are out of the classroom (at least for now) which is the way it should be. Hopefully that leave will become permanent when the Board of Teaching revokes their licenses for violating the Teacher Code of Ethics which is state law.

Katrina… I appreciate your comments and your passion for this topic but I can tell you that both teachers did take a voluntary leave, as I know more than the average person what has and is happening. (The inside scoop, you might say?) As for these teachers not speaking to the media, they have been advised not to and as such cannot comment. The claims made by Justine are not as “outrageous” as you might think. MPR interviewed one of their attorneys on the radio I believe yesterday, who explained the reason for the leave of one of the teachers. I do not say “guilty” and I do not say “innocent” but I do believe that time will give us all the answers. Respectfully, and In Peace…

FYI, the teachers did not take leave on the same day….it was announced by the school on the same day. Silence makes you look guilty, but being silent because your attorney told you to and gearing up for a legal battle is brilliant. Also, I heard the same thing about the gun threat at school. This is how I see it. Kid gets disciplined at school and brings allegations next day. Human Rights Dept. does poor investigation by not even talking to two teachers and makes “findings.” District settles for $25,000 because it is cheaper then fighting it in court and saves money. In the districts own statement said by settling for $25,000 we are not admitting guilt. Then they all must sign a confidentiality agreement as part of the settlement because the district believes this really didn’t happen. Then the Human Rights Department published this, wtih names and breaks agreement, then kids family does the same. Why is this important? Because now the teachers look guilty even though they never admitted it and school never did. Smells like another lawsuit to me. Wonder if this kid will lose the $25,000? Teachers aren’t allowed to speak because of this and silence = guilt to most people. Before you all gather to hang them in the town square, remember the district and human rights dept. already did. The facts will come out. Be patient.

Stephanie,

The way the school district is telling it, the leave doesn’t sound voluntary. I’m not saying you’re wrong, I’m just saying that the school district needs to clarify. I think a lot of people would be happy if it was mandatory. I think it would be very telling if it was voluntary.

I can state AS FACT that the leave is voluntary for both teachers. I know more about this story than most. I also know they did not take leave at the same time and plan on returning to work asap. Of course the district didn’t clarify…. Interestingly, dontchya think if this were true, these teachers would not have already been canned? THERE IS A REASON FOR THIS.. I would keep an eye on this story in the coming weeks/month. There WILL be a HUGE development.

I know the school district is making it sound like it wasn’t voluntary, but it was. They, at first, had the teachers backs, but now are trying to make the “community” happy. Things like this take so much time to make it through the legal system and everyone needs to know this will come full circle. It just won’t happen quickly. Continue to keep an open mind.

How pathetic that a student who was overheard by other students saying he “wanted to get to teachers fired” was given 25K. He should be ashamed of himself for his lies. To the two teachers I want to say: Hold your heads high, there are a lot of people who know what really happened and we stand behind you!!!!!

To be clear, I am actually Walt Filson’s son, and I don’t have a sister by blood. Justine who identifiers herself has Walt’s daughter (which is okay by me if she wants to, but it’s technically inaccurate) is a young woman who is very close to my parents. Many of his students visit him frequently, and many feel very fond of him. There are about a dozen people who refer to my parents as their “parents” or “second parents” who I don’t remember growing up with. ;-)

You may or may not believe me, which is okay, but I know my father would never hold any malice toward any one of his students. I know he would be deeply hurt if he ever thought he had caused somebody pain. I’m not arguing with any facts presented here one way or the other, this is not the place to argue facts. I’m sure I don’t know what transpired, as I am sure many of you also don’t. The only people who really know what happened are Walt and the students in that classroom. The rest of us, are repeating hearsay.

What I do know, is that my father cares deeply about all the youth he has come in contact with, and the list of his previous students or youth that keep in contact with him, from the youth organizations he worked with, is too long to enumerate. I am writing here because there are just a couple of things I want to share about Walt to anybody who cares to listen. Again, these are just my impressions of my own father and you can certainly disagree.

Many of you are attacking Walt because you believe he is anti-gay. No one can truly know the inner mind of another, but as much as I know my Dad, I can tell you he has compassion for all people, no matter who they are. I know that when I approached the elder board at my church to ask them to welcome homosexuals into our congregation, my Dad helped me prepare my arguements. So anybody who is cheering for him thinking he is anti-gay, needs to stop, and those who are hating him for being anti-gay: it’s just not true.

My Dad (and Mom) are deep wells of compassion. My Dad was a police officer for 30 years. One night he stopped alongside a broken down car on 94. He took the couple from the car to the police station while their car was towed. Over a cup of coffee the couple explained that they were headed to a family gathering in Michegan, and now they would not make it. My Dad just handed them his car keys and told them to bring it back when they were done. He didn’t hesitate. Total strangers. I could relate dozens of such stories about Walt (My Dad), hundreds if my memory were better. His gigantic heart is why he has so many ‘daughters’ and ‘sons’ who have adopted him. Anytime I stop by my parent’s house there is a better than even chance that a gaggle of his students will be there visiting, or some person will be there asking for advice or help.

This sort of compassion is just out of character with malicious harrassment. It’s why I believe that if anything happened, my Dad didn’t intend any malice. My Dad also talks to me about his students: about ones that he is concerned for, as he tries to figure out the right way to engage them, and help them. When I hear allegations like this, and I am not arguing with anybody here, but when I hear allegations like this, they just seem off to me: Like something is not fitting. It makes me wonder if something was misunderstood.

I was an awkward kid growing up. I wasn’t ‘a’ nerd, I was ‘the nerd’ at my high school. The worst insult at my high school was to tell somebody they were like me. ;-) I know the pain of not fitting in, and I know my Dad knows it too. I’ve never once known my Dad to allow any kid to be singled out. In all the youth organizations he volunteered with, I always remember him trying to elevate the awkward kids and the fat kids and the kids who just didn’t fit. I recall clearly when he was working with the Brooklyn Center community theater (At the High School) how hard he came down on me when I made fun of the bad acting by one of the actors who was kind of akward. What he is being accused of is just so out of character for him. I’m not disputing anything here. I’m just telling you about the man that I know. It’s the same man that many of the students from the class in question still visit and support.

Alex, I know that at one point at least, my Dad was fond of you, just as he is fond of many of his students. You’re causing him a lot of pain. Maybe you feel that’s just. I don’t bear you any malice for this either, but I thought it might help you to hear that my Dad thought kindly of you, and probably still does. (I have not heard him say a single bad word against you.) So if you are hurting, it might help you to know that Walt thought well of you. Or maybe if you are a different kind of person, it will help you to know that you are hurting him. Either way, I hope this helps you.

Jon: it’s been a while since you officiated at my wedding. I take it that ‘us’ in your post means that the rumors I have heard about your relationship to this situation are true. Give me a call sometime. It’d be nice to catch up over a cup of coffee or something. Kate and I were just looking through our wedding photos and there is a nice one of you and Walt and Rich in there.

What a beautiful picture you have painted of a caring loving human being with compassion and sensitivity. You ought to be proud to call him Dad. I would say to you, your family and especially your father that there are people in the community who see this situation for what it is and know many who would be proud to have Ms Cleveland and your father as their teacher.

out loud
What daughter are you? Justine’s twin. Shut up already everyone is sick of your same old same old, daddy is a nice guy , he didn’t do it. Yes he did, by the way the tv news reported the facts, the Human Rights reported the facts, and THE DISTRICT where he USE to work reported the facts. MUST be the facts…… now sit down.

Mike,

The TV is your friend. Your friend would never only give you half a story. The TV only tells the truth. The facts from the TV are incontrovertible. The TV loves you. Orwellian. Freaky scary there, Mike.

I do not let the TV tell me what to think, that’s why I’m still watching – new stuff crops up every few days. Wait until the dust settles – any judgment before then is prejudice manifested.

Don’t be a prejudicial hater, Mike.

You go Doug… People seem to be awfully quick to judge. What if Mike were accused of something that he didn’t do… Think about it, really think. There is another side to your story, but no one cares. How would you feel? If you have any rational judgment in you, do as Doug suggests and wait till the dust settles. Is it possible for you to do that? I think Orwellian is just the right description…

Justine why hide behind the name out loud? If you are so proud to be Walt Filson’s daughter than just attach your name to your comments. Accordinly to Charles Filson , Son of Walt Filson , he is denying you of a blood sister. What is your side of the story, are you a daughter of Walt Filson, and Charles isn’t telling the whole truth? Or is Charles telling the whole truth and you are telling lies???? Funny how the tables can be turned on you as well???? Which family member is telling a tale? Who’s telling the truth?

Ummmm. Sorry to burst your bubble but who the hell is Justine? Geez, paranoia or what? Gotta tell ya, I read the above postings and get the feeling that you are thinking there is a conspiracy here? Someone out to get you? I just happen to be someone who knows more about this case than a lot of people, that’s all. Call me Justine, call me Larry, Call me Sometime. I don’t care what you call me, but my whole point in this is that there is more to come. That’s all. I simply ask that people wait for the whole story. Many think they know it but few do. Thanks for your posting :)

MIke, out loud is not Justine, I am. Whomever is out loud thank you for not jumping to conclusions like so many others.

Other than that I have thought over my previous actions, I was cruel, I did to the Merritt family exactly what they have done to Walt (who yes is not my real father, (Charles Filson is infact one of his sons, whom I commend for doing a much better job than I did at sharing another side), but a man who has known me and been there for me since I was 5 weeks old, and since I am now 20 I figure as long as he doesn’t mind I will think of him has a father). For that one thing, being cruel to others when I would not want others to be cruel to me I apologize, and I mean that. I reacted badly because I was (and still am) pissed off at what has happened and how people judge while only knowing one side of the story. From here on out I will no longer blog on this subject, my original intention was not to hurt anyone, I allowed my emotions to get out of control.

I will end by saying to those that are willing to keep an open mind about this; thank you, a good man, his wife and his family is going through a lot of pain right now. Every human deserves a chance to defend themselves when something has been said about them. To all of those that are so sure you know the story and believe Walt should not be given a chance to defend himself, ask youself how you would feel if you had been placed in his situation.

No more hiding, I am done with blogging.

Unfortunately, these two highly respected educators, with Mr. Filson also having served in a public servant capacity for a number of years, have been raked over the coals, and received a guilty verdict by many community members, activists and the media before everyone actually knows the whole story! This is a travesty of justice…as well as what has become a public lynching without due diligence.

What is actually even more compelling and concerning in this chain of events, is that this has become a GLBT issue! Because the as yet unverified allegations involve a minority group and public dollars, it receives media attention, investigation (albeit inadequate), action group support, etc. Harassment is harassment in any way shape or form. What about the kids bullied, ridiculed and harassed who don’t fall into any minority group? Where is their support group to fight their battles for them? Where is their justice? Is it not their “Human Right” to receive fair and equal treatment? As the parent of an A-H kid, believe me, I’ve been there.

And, where is the punishment for the kids in the classroom who made the death threats, if that is in truth the case? Where did zero tolerance come into play here? Why are they (or their parents) not liable for damages caused? Where is their reprimand? Would not the school district be liable to uphold student policies via enforcement, as well?

Teaching acceptance, social obligation, respect and tolerance is ideally something that begins in the home, and most certainly is not the responsibility of our public school system or teachers. While our schools are, and should be, accountable in the task of providing a safe and secure environment for our children to learn, it is not the school’s duty to teach social or moral conscientiousness; it is to uphold and enforce a code of ethics that applies to all educators and students alike – certainly not just a select group.

It appears this is not a simple matter of teacher or school district responsibility, folks. Revocation of teacher licenses does not solve what may or may not be a problem in this case; a commitment by the school district to create proper procedures, policies and provide adequate training, education and awareness for ALL has, and will continue to be, the most effective answer to social injustice, perceived or not.

Most appalling to my son and I personally, is that there is not one human being out there that is perfect, and less educated antecendents of an “eye for an eye” –

As a result, we should, each and every one of us, reserve judgement until all of the facts are in. We should all have faith that action will be administered accordingly by our elected administrators where and when appropriate.

As the parent of a former student of Walter Filson’s, I can attest to his absolute and complete commitment to the education, welfare and well-being of his students. So highly esteemed by my son, Walter Filson is an instrumental reason he chose to pursue a career in law enforcement…kudos, Mr. Filson!

We, who know you, and your commitment to education, stand beside and with you always, Walter Filson. Without a single question or doubt.

Janine Palaia

Well, well, well…. there IS another side to the story!

http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_13331287

It does appear that the state didn’t even bother to talk to the teacher after all. And the school district didn’t bother to tell anyone that the teachers denied the allegations. And Alex hates gun, but joined the Army, and there’s witnesses to him saying that he would get the teachers fired for getting him in trouble.

One can’t blame a mother for blindly believing her child – too bad she tried to ride the gravy train of misery her little boy hitched up. It makes her look less like a concerned mom and more like a money chaser.

I hear that crow tastes a lot like chicken. Who’s going to eat a little crow now?

And, folks, this is just the start – hang on, we’re in for a bumpy ride!

Ha ha!

The mommy got used as a tool by her lying son. Wow – she’s probably gonna hafta pay that $25,000 back now. Kiss that house goodbye, you money grubbing whore.

I wonder if the army has a problem with people who won’t touch guns.

Read and weep, you whiny little bitches.

http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_13331287

Gotta say kudos to the students and Cleveland’s lawyer Villaume! Cleveland sat back and watched this unfold in the media not saying a word really, probably on the advice of her attorney. Hopefully Ms. Cleveland you feel a bit of vindication today! Hopefully you will soon be back in front of the classroom doing what you are best at…teaching. I saw that you were named a “TOP 20 teacher in the district.” Just goes to show that there are still people out there with class who work with our kids. Hopefully that attorney is looking for justice $$$$ for you!

Where are all the naysayers now? Apologies anyone?

[...] was not limited to students: The Anoka-Hennepin school district had recently agreed to pay $25,000 to a former student who had been subjected to anti-gay harassment by two [...]