But in a brief phone conversation last week with a reporter, Ms. Scricca, the 1994 New York State Distinguished Principal of the Year, expressed frustration. Mr. Goldstein turned down the union leader's request to let Ms. Williamsen serve the remaining months of her probationary period at another high school. The superintendent said a decision on Ms. Williamsen would not be made until that period was up. He praised Ms. Scricca for her efficient running of the school, her commitment, and her dealings with students. No one feels comfortable disagreeing with her.
Experts differ over the frequency of discrimination against pregnant women.
Michael D. Simpson, the assistant general counsel for the NEA, said claims of discrimination against pregnant teachers are rare in his experience. He noted, though, that as recently as the 1940s, many states required female teachers to be unmarried or to leave if they became pregnant. But Martha F. Davis, the legal director for the New York-based NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund, said she believes such discrimination against women is generally a common occurrence. Others are reluctant to fight it, she said, when their personal lives are undergoing so much change. Teachers Kathleen and Gerard Williamsen with their daughter, Colleen, outside a board meeting where supporters protested.