Tiffany Webb: Counselor's Lingerie Photos Lead to Termination
Controversy has been stirred after a guidance counselor was fired by the New York Department of Education over racy pictures that she had posed for years prior.
Tiffany Webb, 37, was fired from her position as a guidance counselor at Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers in Manhattan after a student brought forward risqué photos of Webb. Webb admitted that she had taken the photos while she was a model between the ages of 18 and 20, but explained that the lifestyle was far behind her.
"I am a dedicated professional and enjoyed being a guidance counselor," she said in an interview with The New York Post. "I did my job well, and my students and parents thought very highly of me. I would love to return to [New York City schools] and resume the career I have chosen to help and guide students."
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Web also disclosed her past to the Department of Education 12 years ago before she was hired. An investigation into her past has been launched twice during her history as a teacher. During both times, she spent a year not teaching, but was later absolved of any wrongdoing. Her performance as an educator was testified to by others.
However, testimonies did not prevent a board from voting against Webb last December.
"The inappropriate photos were accessible to impressionable adolescents. That behavior has a potentially adverse influence on her ability to counsel students and be regarded as a role model," the members ruled.
In a 2-1 decision, Webb was released from her position. She is now suing the New York Department of Education for wrongful termination, sex discrimination and violation of First Amendment rights. In the lawsuit, she has asked for her job back in addition to a year back pay and costs for punitive damages.
The board decision was made just before Webb was to be considered for tenure.
