Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Teacher forced to resign after student steals her phone and shares nude pictures with rest of class

School's superintendent unsure if pupil will face disciplinary measures

Emma Henderson
Wednesday 02 March 2016 08:23 EST
Comments
Leigh Anne Arthur was told her contract would be terminated if she did not resign
Leigh Anne Arthur was told her contract would be terminated if she did not resign (WSPA/YouTube)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A teacher has been forced to resign after a student stole her phone and shared nude pictures of her with other pupils.

School officials at Union Country High School, South Carolina, told Leigh Anne Arthur - who had been a teacher at the school for 13 years - her contract would be terminated if she did not resign.

David Eubanks, superintendent of the district, said the teacher was at fault for leaving her phone unlocked on her desk when she went out of the room, according to New York Daily News.

Mr Eubanks added that the teacher’s actions may have added to the delinquency of a minor.

The mechatronics teacher – a mixture of engineering and IT– maintains the incident was not her fault and said the student should be expelled, in line with school policy.

But Mr Eubanks said he was not sure if the student would face any disciplinary measures, according to The State.

Union County High School
Union County High School (NBC News)

Ms Arthur said she knew who stole her phone and shared the photos, as the student told her “your day of reckoning is coming”.

Speaking to WSPA, she said: “The whole premise of my privacy being invaded is being ignored and that’s wrong.”

She said she forgave the student, but planned to press charges.

An online petition, started by her students, to have the teacher reinstated at the school has attracted more than 900 signatures.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in