Suspension of teacher causes split

The suspension of a dance teacher has divided Liberty High School with students and parents complaining of intimidation for supporting a beloved teacher and a fight breaking out after a dance performance Wednesday.

Sabas Alonso, the father of a dancer, said the controversy has pitted the Henderson campus into "those who support the dance instructor and those who don't."

He said tensions "culminated (Wednesday) night immediately after the Liberty dance performance when students got involved in a verbal confrontation."

It escalated outside the school with a mother joining in the fight, students said.

Corina Richardson, a sophomore, said she was the victim and was "suspended for being attacked."

"I got choked by a parent," she said. "I got held down by a student."

Michael Rodriguez, a district spokesman, said "appropriate actions" were being taken in response to the altercation.

Dance performances scheduled for Thursday and Friday nights were canceled.

Citing confidentiality and personnel rules, district officials and Liberty Principal Rosalind Gibson declined to discuss the suspension of Nury Depiazza, a teacher in the district since 1988.

Officials denied allegations they had threatened students with retaliation if they spoke out at a School Board meeting Thursday. Many students said they feared they would not be allowed to participate in their graduation.

"I am here today because I am not scared of Miss Gibson," said Yesenia Ponce, 18, a senior. "I am not scared of our administration. If I don't walk at graduation, that's fine... We waited five hours (at the School Board meeting) just to speak up for our teacher. If that's not love, I don't know what love is."

Ashley Marshall, class of 2006, said "my concern is the principal is using fear to run the high school. I think something needs to be done about it."

Carolyn Edwards, the School Board member who represents Liberty, located near Bermuda Road and St. Rose Parkway, assured students, alumni and parents that the situation was under review.

"I'm aware of what's going on," Edwards said. "I will ask that we continue to look into the situation."

Attempts to reach Depiazza were unsuccessful.

Contact reporter James Haug at jhaug@reviewjournal .com or 702-374-7917.