BELLE CHASSE, La. — A Belle Chasse Middle School math teacher is under public scrutiny after Dr. Matthews, a Houston-area civil rights activist, filed a formal complaint with the Plaquemines Parish School District requesting an investigation into the teacher’s public social media activity.
According to Dr. Matthews, the complaint asks the Plaquemines Parish School District to determine whether Belle Chasse Middle School math teacher Allison Edwards’ public online activity complies with the district’s professional standards, employee code of ethics, social media policies and other applicable employment policies.
Dr. Matthews alleges the complaint includes screenshots showing Edwards commenting on and amplifying a Facebook post published by Aubrey Taylor that she describes as slanderous and defamatory. According to the complaint, the post contained numerous allegations about Dr. Matthews, her late husband and other personal matters. Dr. Matthews contends the allegations are false and that Edwards’ public comments helped spread them to a wider audience.
The complaint further alleges that the Facebook post included accusations involving Dr. Matthews’ late husband, speculation surrounding his death, allegations of drug use, allegations involving Child Protective Services and other claims that Dr. Matthews says are false. She contends Edwards’ participation in the discussion gave credibility to the post and contributed to the continued dissemination of the allegations.
Dr. Matthews alleges the social media activity caused emotional harm to her family, particularly her children, because it publicly referenced their late father. She said she is not asking the school district to determine the truth or falsity of the underlying dispute but instead is requesting a review of whether Edwards’ public conduct is consistent with the standards expected of public school employees.
In the complaint, Dr. Matthews argues that, as a public school educator, Edwards is expected to maintain professionalism and comply with district policies governing employee conduct, including conduct on social media. She alleges Edwards’ actions violated those standards by amplifying what Dr. Matthews characterizes as false statements about her.
In a written response, the Plaquemines Parish School District confirmed it had received the complaint and stated the concerns “will be reviewed and investigated in accordance with the Plaquemines Parish School Board’s policies and procedures.”
The district also stated it appreciates Dr. Matthews bringing the concerns forward, but is unable to discuss personnel matters or any potential investigation. The response adds that the information submitted “will be given appropriate consideration.”
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