A controversial incident involving two kindergarten teachers has taken a startling turn. Kate Patterson and Devin Hays, formerly of Propel Charter Schools in Pittsburgh, found themselves at the center of a national firestorm after a video surfaced showing their reaction to news of Iranian threats against a former president.
The video, quickly shared and widely condemned, depicted Patterson and Hays visibly celebrating a news report detailing the threats. They crossed their fingers and beamed at the headline, all while seemingly on school grounds, sparking immediate outrage and questions about their judgment.
Propel Charter Schools swiftly responded, placing both teachers on paid administrative leave while conducting an internal investigation. The school ultimately terminated their employment, stating that their actions were deeply inappropriate and incompatible with the values of the institution.
The school’s statement emphasized a firm rejection of any suggestion of violence or harm, and underscored the paramount importance of safety and well-being for students. It reinforced the expectation of professionalism from educators entrusted with the care of children and families.
However, the story didn’t end with their dismissal. Just weeks later, Patterson and Hays announced their new positions at Urban Pathways Charter School, also located in Pittsburgh, sharing the news with a celebratory video and a caption proclaiming success.
The announcement ignited a fresh wave of controversy, drawing immediate criticism and calls for accountability. The decision to hire the teachers prompted widespread concern among parents and community members.
Social media platforms quickly became a forum for expressing outrage, with many questioning the charter school’s judgment and demanding answers. Concerns ranged from the teachers’ suitability to work with children to calls for a thorough investigation into the hiring process.
Calls for action extended to state and federal officials, with individuals tagging the governor, the Department of Education, and even former presidential administrations, urging them to address the situation and consider potential consequences for the school.
As of late Saturday, neither Urban Pathways Charter School nor Patterson and Hays had publicly addressed the growing backlash or officially confirmed the new hires, leaving many questions unanswered and the controversy unresolved.
