Teacher Faces Termination After Stomping on American Flag During a Lesson

The employment status of a Chapin High teacher said to have stomped on the American flag during three classroom lessons in December will be decided at a later date.

At the start of the Lexington-Richland 5's board meeting, chairman Robert Gantt read a statement, which said the board "will not take any action in this matter until the employee has the opportunity to request an evidentiary hearing before the board."

Gantt said that procedure was  in complinace with the S.C. Teacher Employment and Dismissal Act. 

Compton has 15 days from when the recommendation of termination was made — on Jan. 9 — to respond, school officials said. 

Superintendent Stephen Hefner is recommending the termination of employment for Chapin High Honors English teacher Scott Compton after he stomped on the American flag during a classroom lesson on symbolism. 

District officials received complaints from parents before the holiday break and Compton was placed on leave with pay while an investigation was held, district spokesman Mark Bounds said. 

After the investigation was complete, school officials determined the best course of action was termination of employment.

Compton's attorney, Darryl Smalls, has said his client's lesson was not done to be disrespectful.

Smalls said his client was "only trying to create a forum for discussion using a powerful symbol with which all his students would be familiar," according to a WIS-TV report. 

Smalls also said he was trying to show students that America is an "inspirational idea," greater than the "material objects that represent it," the report read. 

Compton, who has taught in the district for seven years, was not present at the meeting. 

During public participation, several residents of the district called for the board to fire Compton, stating his actions were shocking and disgraceful.

Chapin resident Linda Larsson-Wheeler said Compton's actions were a "grotesque display of poor judgement."

Col. Tom Fincher representing Chapin Post 193 of the American Legion said the group was "dismayed and shocked" over what happened to the American flag. 

Fincher said board member Kim Murphy contacted the Chapin Post to suggest a flag disposal ceremony that could be used as a teaching moment for the community.

He said members agreed the ceremony would bring closure to an awful incident and will bring dignity back to the town. 

"We’re for anything that enhances the respect for the American flag," Fincher said. "That flag, we served under. Many of us have been wounded under, died under.

"It is more than a piece of cloth. It’s a part of the marrow in our bones and implanted in our hearts."

Fincher suggested Chapin High's Naval ROTC unit conduct the public ceremony.

The board's next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 28 at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies. 

Editor's note: This story has been updated.