Student teacher Seth Stambaugh will return to his original post at Sexton Mountain Elementary School in Beaverton.

Stambaugh was removed from the classroom for honestly answering a student’s question about whether he was married. Stambaugh told the truth — that he is excluded from marriage by Oregon law because he would hope to marry another man.

This afternoon the Beaverton School District and Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education announced they have jointly agreed to return Stambaugh to his original placement, starting late next week, and provide him with a high level of support.

“I am pleased that the Beaverton School District has reversed course and invited this talented member of the LGBT community to return to the teaching that he loves,” said Jeana Frazzini, Executive Director of Basic Rights Oregon. “This incident is a reminder that we’re stronger together when we respect each other’s differences. Our classrooms and schools must be safe and welcoming where everyone can teach, learn and grow.”

——————-

——————-

Frazzini spoke with Stambaugh right after the announcement and he shared his excitement about returning to the classroom.

“I’m extraordinarily grateful to Lewis & Clark, the Beaverton School District and my Portland Public Schools placement for coming to an equitable solution,” Stambaugh told Frazzini. “And I am so thankful to Sexton Mountain Elementary for their support.”

Basic Rights Oregon issued this statement:

From the start, Basic Rights Oregon has been in contact with Stambaugh and his legal counsel as they fought to make this right. Basic Rights Oregon has had numerous discussions with the Beaverton School District and Lewis & Clark College, urging them to correct the situation and ensure it wouldn’t happen again. We will continue to work with the Beaverton School District to review policies, procedures, curriculum and training that must be updated.

In recent weeks, there has been an outpouring of support from parents in the classroom, district teachers and the community calling for Stambaugh’s return and for the district to dramatically improve the climate for LGBT students, teachers and families.

“All educators, straight or gay, must be able to get the support they need to serve their students with honesty and integrity,” Frazzini said.