K West
June 29, 2008
Fox River Grove, IL – Dave Warwak, the tenured middle school teacher
in Illinois who was fired last fall for incorporating veganism in his
art lessons, is costing his former school district a great deal more
than dinnertime anguish.
Warwak, who filed an appeal with the Illinois State Board of
Education last October for wrongful termination said of the hearings
that lasted over 30 hours, “it is expensive hiding the truth” and noted,
“those figures are from April before the hearings and are much higher
now.”
According to Fox River Grove SD 3 Meeting Minutes, Board member Steve
Knar asked to look at legal fees, which are currently budgeted at
$78,000 – the original budgeted amount was $25,000. Knar wanted to know
how that number could change, why we changed the original number, and
from where the money would come.
District superintendant Jackie Krause stated, “the line item was
increased to meet the substantial increase in legal fees. The increased
amount is likely to be covered by positive balances from other line
items in the education fund. If this is not sufficient, some money would
come from surplus.”
Meanwhile, in the midst of the school’s legal and financial woes,
Warwak has published a book, “Peep Show For Children Only” which
includes actual transcripts from the hearings.
Warwak’s 487-page manifesto is getting him into trouble with parents.
Criticisms stemmed from a meeting Warwak arranged with his former
students at a McDonalds to distribute copies of his book. When asked why
he felt it necessary to give his book to the children, Warwak explained,
“the book was written for my friends so they wouldn’t end up like their
parents – why wouldn’t I give them copies?” Warwak further explains,
“making the transcripts public shines light on the proceedings that were
closed to the public. The meat-eaters would like to keep veganism a
secret from the public, especially the children.”
Fox River Grove police became involved when news of Warwak’s meeting
spread. Police visited several children’s homes and confiscated their
books as evidence.
Police claim to have recovered six books but could not charge Warwak
with any crime.
First Assistant State’s Attorney Tom Carroll said, “while we
certainly do not condone what he did – we don’t think it was appropriate
– ... we are unable to charge Mr. Warwak with violation of any criminal
statute.”
Warwak said there was nothing inappropriate about distributing
information on veganism, the practice of not eating any animal products,
and countered, “I can’t condone what they are doing, nor do I think it
is appropriate for the school to serve children recalled beef. And with
all the school shootings that happened and the climate of schools today,
something has to change. So I offer solutions in my book - Humane
Education is what’s needed – that is what is missing in schools today.”
No verdict has been announced in the proceedings that officially
closed June 3rd. Hearing officer Barry Simon could not be reached for
comment.
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