PLYMOUTH, Minn. - A male teacher at a prestigious Twin Cities school has been fired after allegedly sending inappropriate emails to female students.
In a letter to parents dated Wednesday, Providence Academy headmaster Todd Flanders revealed that the teacher, an instructor in the institution's middle and upper schools, had been relieved of his duties and sent home after administrators were informed of the situation Tuesday. Todd Flanders says the matter has been forwarded to Plymouth Police investigators to determine whether criminal charges will be filed.
On Thursday Providence released a statement to the media which read, in part, "Earlier this week, we were made aware of a teacher who was sending inappropriate emails to several female students. We do not tolerate this behavior, and upon learning of it took immediate action. The teacher has been terminated and we are working with authorities while they investigate. The safety of our children is our first priority. We ask for your prayers for all those affected by this situation and for our community."
Flanders did not elaborate on the content of the emails or whether they were sexually explicit.
The situation was also addressed in a message to students.
"We told them that our primary responsibility as educators is to protect our students," Flanders wrote home to Providence parents. "So we acted immediately when we became aware of the situation and are cooperating with authorities as they review the matter."
Plymouth Police confirm they are launching an investigation into the situation, and will go through computers to examine how many messages were sent, the contents of those messages and the number of female students who may be impacted.
The entire text of the letter from Headmaster Flanders is printed below.
Dear families,
Earlier today, we addressed the students in the Upper and Middle
Schools regarding a situation that was brought to our attention
yesterday afternoon. Immediately upon learning that a teacher in the
Middle and Upper Schools had sent inappropriate emails to several
female students, the teacher was relieved of his responsibilities and
sent home.
The safety of our children is our first priority, so we have informed
the Plymouth Police Department, per our policy, and the situation is
currently being reviewed by the authorities. While it is being
reviewed, we don't have any other information to share. But we
thought you would like to know what was discussed with the students today.
First, we reminded everyone that our responsibility as Christians is
to keep the entire Providence community, and especially the those
affected by this situation, in our prayers.
We told them that our primary responsibility as educators is to
protect our students. So we acted immediately when we became aware of
the situation and are cooperating with authorities as they review the
matter.
We reminded students that they also have a responsibility to come
forward if they ever become aware of a similar situation. Also, if
they ever find themselves in a situation where they feel uncomfortable
or threatened, they need to inform us as soon as possible, so we can
help them.
We firmly requested that they be respectful to those affected by this
situation with charity and compassion. We are a family at Providence;
we should treat such matters as if they are happening to a family
member. And as with a family member, we should not gossip and feed
rumors.
If you or your children ever have concerns about any situation, we
encourage you to come forward so that we can address it as soon as
possible.
I also ask that if anyone has any pertinent information regarding this
situation, please let me know so that we can make the authorities
aware.
Again, please keep the those affected, their families and the entire
Providence community in your prayers.
In Christ,
Todd R. Flanders
Headmaster
