New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-10-13
Leave Of Absence to Bear
Child Refused, VIII Fight
on Boards Own Terms.
WIFE OF GERMAN
RESERVIST A MILITANT
Women's Civil Service League
Plans to Hold Big Mass Meet
ing as Protest.

them that teacher OF German IN one
OF the city high schools, who had been
refused a leave OF absence By the
Board OF Education for the purpose
OF bearing and rearing child: mao
decided TO fight II out with the board
on It's own terms: That is, since the
board refused to grant her leave OF
absence, she would have to stay IN
school.
Miss Rodman said that the teacher
/ Whose name she withheld would ap-
pear NJ school this morning wearing
/ college gown over her regular school
costume, and that she would not re-
main away from school until the time
came when she had the testimony OF
her physician that she was physically
unable to perform her duties.
Husband a Reservist.
The husband Of this teacher is a
German reservist, and the fear that
he may be called away at any time 10
serve in the Kaiser's army is one OF the
reasons why the woman is unwilling
10 resign her position. If she resigns
she cannot, according to the bylaws
Of the Board OF Education, be reap
pointed unless her husband is killed
or deserts her or is mentally or physl-
cally unable 10 support her. In the
meantime she and her child would be
without means of support.
This teacher, however, is in the
fight chiefly for the principle involved
She has entered the lists with Mrs
Bridget PeixottO 20 fight for the right
of a married teacher TO have children.
In this she has the sympathy and sup
port of her husband. His feelings are
expressed in the following words:
81 used 10 be one of those old-fash-
toned men who thought woman's place
was the home, and all that. Since
have been acquainted with the lady
who is now my wife | have come 10
realize how important part her school
work plays in her life and that / had
no more right TO ask her to give it up
! than TO ask my brother-in- law 10 give
up something that interfered with my
personal pleasure"
The couple have been married a lit
tie more than p year. The woman is
the daughter of a Methodist minister
was graduated from Teachers College
and has been teaching about five years
She spent two summers studying IN
Germany and speaks the language flu
Z emily
Leave Of Absence Refused.
About three weeks ago she applied
for leave of absence, stating her rea
son plainly. This request was accom-
panied by n note from her principal
approving Of her action. The reques
was refused by Superintendent Max
well, acting for the board of superin
tendents.
A. the same time she received
personal letter from her own distric
superintendent, advising her for he
own good to resign. She then wrote
20 the superintendent. telling him hel
reasons for wishing 10 hold her posi-
ton. lie replied that if she continued
10 remain away from school he would
be obliged to bring charges OF neglect
OF duty against her.
Sire then decided upon her course OF
action. She would not consent TO eN-
pose herself TO what she called the
"insult" OF charge of neglect, and
would therefore return TO school. Hell
absence has lasted for five days now
/ Ten days absence is permitted all
teachers without the Formally Of d
leave Of absence.
Teacher Explains in Letter.
The letter written by the teacher tC
her district superintendent explaining
her position reads, in part;
Dear Sir. Firstly. let me- thank you FOL
i your kindness I'm presenting my case before
/ H.. board. and secondly let me present ny
~ coirse. realize that should NJ
/ longer Dee In school. and that T. Why / an.
/ piled Tor leave OF absence. but 10 not
want you 20 think that nave been l"''
/ modest Ia remaining up 20 this time.
NV pupils have been ar orderly and re-
| spect,ul az usual and have done their WORK
! with enthusiasm. Ny fellow teachers have
/ becn Kindness itself. T have asked no tayors
sut have done my work "a usual and en-
~ course. 7 DO not desire annoyance and
/ notOrletv but J am willing 10 do my share
to make a place Tor mothers in the public
schools ~ New York city. There Is already
place Tor them IN private schools.
The superintendent reply is as fol
lows:
have your frank and courteous letter
o. the 81 instant Your position D. clear
/ Nh. uolicy OF The Board Of Education. Cup
ported by the courts OK the state. Will com
/ pei mo officially. though much 90 my re
/ sr.t 10 take action against you should you
remain away from school II within tn
next few days. as is likely. ] shall find II
necessary To prefer charges against you tol
neglect Of duty. and To suspend YOU under
T the provisions 81 tie bylaws, YOU VIII under
stand the reason Ior my action.
All the forces of the feminists in New
York City are ready TO rally TO hel
support. The League for the Civic
Service of Women, of which Nr'
Beatrice Forbes Robertson Hale IL
president, is planning public meet
ing TO protest against the policy OF thC
Board of Education. Miss Rodmar
Yesterday voiced the telling of thC
association as follows:
"The Board of Education is forcing
out Of the public schools women teach
ers who become mothers. The COur'
of Appeals permits the Board Of Edu
cation to do this. We ask you e
come to the defence Of your sisters
who are struggling to retain the mos
primitive rights of women-to wori
and bear children.
Crime Against Women"
1--WE believe that the action OF tn,
Board of Education IS an injury {,
the schools. which il deprives of it
most experienced women teachers, o
TO the community. which it deprive
Of the offspring Of women selected 30
character and ability. We believe tina
this action is crime against womei
who are forced 10 choose between tw
activities. both Of which are necesslr'
for their fullest development. Il IL
an insult to motherhood because i
places 1t OIL @ par, as d professions
liability, with conviction for felony.
"Wc implore the women Of New
York who feel these things as w'
do TO write letters OF protest to Or
John H. Finley, State Superintendent
o. Education, and 20 the members c
the Board of Education. asking then
to vote 70 amend the bylaws OF rh'
board 20 that married women may
become teachers and may have leave
Of absence without pay for child
bearing"