The Great Dayton School Walkout
A student disciplinary dispute spirals into a mass resignation of the entire teaching staff.
Dayton—Because two students at the High School were insubordinate and mischievous, as is alleged, the superintendent of the public schools, L. V. Beaulieu, suspended them. This brought on a storm, and in the stress of censure from the school board, the superintendent resigned. Then the entire corps of teachers also quit in sympathy with its superior. The striking teachers were summoned before the board and the whole affair was gone over. Finally the teachers admitted they had been a trifle hasty. They said they believed the board was condoning insubordination on the part of the students.
“Then the entire corps of teachers also quit in sympathy with its superior.”
This story highlights the perennial tension between school administrators, boards, and teachers. It reflects a moment where educators took a collective stand for their authority, a precursor to the modern labor actions seen in school districts across the country.
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