Support Matthew Mastronardi
Raised:
USD $10,230
Campaign funds will be received by Matthew Mastronardi
Support Matthew Mastronardi
I am a high school Spanish teacher and I am losing my job after reading aloud a passage from To Kill a Mockingbird that included the N-word. This incident happened after I overheard a conversation where students were discussing that they had to skip over the word while assigned to read the book in their English class. I expressed my disagreement that they had to do this because it takes away from the historical context of the book and it undermines the author’s intent. Furthermore, you miss out on confronting history head on. Students miss a valuable lesson when they are forced to skip over certain aspects of history even if it’s uncomfortable.
I was then asked what I would do if I had to read the book. I replied “If I were reading the book, I would read every word.” Within a few seconds a student handed me the book and challenged me to read the passage openly and so I did. I was put on the spot with the entire class watching me having heard what I just said- I had to show them they don’t have to fear reading a book. I read the passage and tried to make it a teaching moment about historical context and intent, and that reading a word from a book doesn’t make you a racist and you are free to read and engage with the text honestly. I also said that nobody should ever use that word in a discriminatory manner.
About a week later, I was informed I would not be coming back. My contract would not be renewed. I’ve been left to advocate for myself as the union has told me there’s nothing they can do for me. I think it’s a shame teachers in this country get punished for telling their students the truth. Prior to this I’ve NEVER had a single discipline issue or official complaint against me and I’ve passed every teaching evaluation.
I am married and have three beautiful young children. The money raised will support us through this transition period and my plan is to make a large donation to support educational efforts that prioritize free speech as well. I hope you’ll consider donating to this cause. Thank you.
Recent Donations
I admire your resolve in standing for your principles. Many of us wonder how we would react and whether we would stand up when the moment came. Nobody can doubt your mettle. Thank you for taking a stand.
Amazing you could be fired for resisting the trend toward Orwellian memory holing of inconvenient history. Don't know who is more disgusting; the students who set you up or the spineless, useless board and administration. Good luck.
Thank you, Matthew, for being an actual teacher and caring about what your students learn!
God Bless
Thank you for being the kind of teacher every child should have.
Matthew, I heard about your story on Sara Gonzalez Unfiltered. I'm sorry your school is trying to get rid of you. You sound like a great teacher. I wish this could be more. May God bless you in all that you do!
Matt C. Listener. Thanks for standing up for freedom of speech, and educational honesty.
Free speech and an accurate view of history is important. God bless you and your family.
Thank you for your devotion to teach children how important it is to not censor yourself to please weak minded fools
Praying for you and your family that God see's you through this tribulation in a meaningful way. Praying for your brothers family as well. Thank you for doing what was right.
Good luck and I hope you find the place you need to be along with your brother even if it's at a better or private school.❤️
Updates
Follow this campaign to get email notifications when the campaign owner posts an update.
Prayer Requests
Click the Pray button to let the campaign owner know you are praying for them.