EAST PEORIA, Ill. – An East Peoria high school teacher and former journalist has apologized for a post making the rounds on social media obviously against the lifting of a COVID-19-related mask mandate for students at the school.
Teacher Ben Diggle, in a post obtained by WMBD News, urged students to “dress warm” when coming to his class Monday, because the windows would be open, and his air purifiers would be kept on.
This, after the East Peoria High School District’s board voted Sunday night, to make masks recommended instead of required.
Superintendent Marjorie Greuter has since issued a statement, saying Diggle has apologized, calling his comments “grossly inappropriate,” and that classrooms are at “customary” temperatures.
No word on what, if any, disciplinary action there may be against Diggle.
FULL STATEMENT FROM EAST PEORIA HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 309:
“We are aware of a posting by one of our teachers circulating on social media indicating that the teacher intended to keep classroom windows open today and the environment would be colder than normal. The teacher has acknowledged that these comments were grossly inappropriate and he has apologized. School officials are addressing the matter with the teacher but the details of personnel action will not be disclosed.
“The classroom environment is being maintained under customary temperature and conditions.”
–Dr. Marjorie Greuter, Superintendent, East Peoria Community High School District 309
