11 April 4th-April 10th, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | findings or a resolution of the allegations under investigation.” The district did, however, order Chunnui to refrain from using the district’s computer for personal use, which Chunnui and their lawyer allege is not a requirement for other teachers. On July 27, Chunnui’s home was vandal- ized again when someone threw a rock at their window. Both rock-throwing inci- dents were reported to police. Over the course of several months, the lawsuit claimed, Chunnui received “harassing phone calls, emails and social media messages accusing them of pedophilia and grooming children for sexual conduct — the same words used by the board members.” Rooks and Hill continued their crusade. They attempted to terminate Chunnui’s employment with the district on March 9, 2023, almost a year after the initial email, according to the lawsuit. In a meeting that day, the board was set to renew teachers’ contracts. Rooks’ nonprofit organization, West Valley Parents United, tweeted a picture of Chunnui’s name on the list of contract renewals and criticized the district’s superintendent for allowing it to reach a vote. During the March 9 board meeting, Hill accused Chunnui of not fulfilling their duties, not keeping students safe, being a danger to students and not following poli- cies, according to the lawsuit. Then, she motioned to remove Chunnui’s name from the contract renewal list. The motion to remove Chunnui from the list failed in a 3-2 vote. The lawsuit also says the district’s legal counsel informed Rooks and Hill that it is unlawful to discriminate or retaliate against someone because of their gender or gender identity. In April 2023, Rooks and Hill also campaigned — against the advice of the school district’s attorney — to pass a policy restricting which restrooms and locker rooms trans students can use. The board rejected it in a 3-2 vote, according to the Arizona Republic. Finding their voice Chunnui told New Times that Rooks and Hill never reached out to them, but Chunnui wishes the two could understand their work. “I would love to have those individuals in my classroom and to feel how welcoming and safe an environment my classroom is,” Chunnui said. They became interested in special education because of their uncle, Chunnui told New Times. “My uncle was only seven years older than me, but he grew up in a time where special education students were really put into a room, and they were not really supported or advocated for,” Chunnui said. “Unfortunately for him, he kind of handled it as he got older in very unhealthy ways. “I just always wanted to support him and love him. I grew up wishing I could be that person for him, so I became a special education teacher because I wanted to advocate for kids who were like my uncle,” they added. Chunnui also noted that Tucson Unified School District is the only district in Arizona that has a policy regarding trans- gender students or staff, reflecting a lack of attention given to the struggles of trans- gender people across the state. Through their experience with Rooks, Hill and the lawsuit, Chunnui said they found their voice in advocating for transgender people. “My hope is that by bringing awareness to this issue — and the true prejudice and discrimination that is occurring for the transgender community — that more people will also find their voice,” Chunnui said. The lawsuit accuses the district of not taking any steps to stop the attacks on Chunnui. The teacher, who has returned to the classroom, alleged they have been harassed at school by coworkers, and that the tires of their car were slashed. Chunnui also noted that teachers are scared to speak out for fear they could lose their licenses or face more discrimination in the workplace. “The truth is that my situation is not unique,” Chunnui said. “This is happening all the time, particularly with educators.” An effort to support transgender students on International Transgender Day of Visibility led to a trans teacher in Peoria being harassed and threatened with violence. (Photo by Matt Hennie) Pride and Prejudice from p 8
