Teacher Quits in Settlement of Sex-Change Furor

An award-winning teacher banned from the classroom after revealing plans to undergo a sex change operation has resigned in exchange for a $150,000 settlement, officials at a suburban school district here announced Monday.

David Warfield, a teacher at Center High School since 1990, revealed in May that he intended to become Dana Rivers. But the 44-year-old teacher never returned to school this year because trustees voted in August to fire Rivers for discussing the sex change with students.

The 5,500-student Center Unified School District has been the focus of political wrangling and national media attention ever since. Rivers, who began publicly dressing as a woman after the school year ended, appealed the dismissal and filed a lawsuit. Supporters launched a recall against the three school board members who voted to fire Rivers.

Rivers said she decided to settle the case out of concern that a prolonged battle would further divide the high school and disrupt the learning process.

“I did nothing to warrant the reactive stance taken against me,” Rivers said in a statement issued by her attorney. She added that she wanted to find a job in another district. “I want to teach. I will move on and find work where I am valued as an experienced, exceptional educator.”

Although most colleagues and students accepted Rivers’ decision, a few parents complained. The teacher, they said, had violated parental rights by opening up to several students and giving an emotional interview with the student newspaper.

Rivers’ supporters countered that the firing was the work of conservative Christians who simply didn’t want a transsexual teacher in the classroom.

The Pacific Justice Institute, a nonprofit group that focuses on religious liberty issues, agreed to represent four parents angered by Rivers’ behavior. The group hired a private investigator to gather information about Rivers.

Brad Dacus, an attorney with the group, said he hoped that the settlement would end the matter. “We see it as a clear victory for the parents and students,” Dacus said. “This is a school board serving as a role model for others across the country.”

Under the agreement, the district will pick up half the cost of the settlement, and its insurance carrier will pay the rest. An additional $50,000 will be paid to Rivers if the state takes action to rescind her teaching credential. The district also has paid more than $20,000 in legal fees, officials said.

“I’m pleased the teacher has decided to move along and get on with his or her life,” said Scott Rodowich, one of three trustees who voted to fire Rivers.

Director of Center High’s award-winning media academy, Rivers began hormone therapy and electrolysis treatments in January, the initial steps toward a sex change operation planned next year.

School authorities told Rivers to avoid discussing details of the sex change with students. But a couple of teenagers who had worked closely with Rivers in media classes approached with questions. Rivers explained a lifetime of inner turmoil and the anticipated transformation from man to woman.

Four parents complained, convincing the board that Rivers’ conduct was improper. Despite a recommendation from district administrators that Rivers be issued only a reprimand, the board voted 3 to 2 to fire her.