Middletown Teacher Who Played Anti-Trump Video In Class Apologizes, Asks Supporters To Stand Down

Joe Ventre

Joe Ventre, the Middletown High School South history teacher who sparked controversy in the community when he announced to the media that he was forced to resign over showing an anti-Trump video in his classroom and then rescinded the resignation has issued an open letter via a newly created twitter account wherein he apologizes to the community for playing the “profane and inappropriate” video to his students.

Ventre said that he had no intention to cause any harm and that it is appropriate for parents and students to question his judgement. He absolved parents, students, the Board of Education and the administration of any fault in the matter which he said was entirely his responsibility.

The young non-tenured teacher apologized to “anyone injured or erroneously portrayed” by the incident, especially “any students and parents who expressed concerns.” Ventre asked his supporters not to protest on his behalf with the Board of Education. His letter can be viewed here or on twitter.

The Board of Education and Superintendent Willian George, PhD have not commented publicly on the issue, other than George’s acknowledgement that Ventre had rescinded his resignation and that therefore there was no action for the Board to take.

A well placed Middletown source told MMM that Ventre’s future in the Middletown school district was not caused by the showing of the video, per se, but by his embarrassing a student who’s parent had complained to the Middletown High School South principle about the politically charged video by HBO’s John Oliver being showed in the classroom after he was informed that the parent’s complaint was to be kept confidential.

Ventre has not yet replied to a private tweet.
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