Contract of Harrison County administrator not renewed following alleged harassment of transgender student

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The Harrison County Board of Education voted Tuesday not to renew the contract of an administrator accused of harassing a transgender student.

Liberty High School Assistant Principal Lee Livengood’s contract expires June 30.

Livengood allegedly bullied sophomore Michael Critchfield while he was in the male restroom last year as it is Michael’s gender identity.

Michael said Livengood harassed and intimidated him, as well as challenged him to use a urinal.

Livengood wrote an apology letter to Michael: “I am deeply sorry for raising my voice while in the bathroom on 11/27/18. I promise it won’t happen again.” Livengood is also prohibited from direct or indirect contact with the student.

The state American Civil Liberties Union chapter said it presented the Harrison County Board of Education with 1,100 signations in opposition to the inaction related to the incident.

“While we’re glad to see Harrison County Schools taking accountability for what happened in the bathroom that day, we expect talks to resume regarding the implementation of best practice trans-inclusive policies that will better protect LGBTQ students and create a safer learning environment for Michael moving forward,” legal director Loree Stark said in a statement.

ACLU-West Virginia said earlier this month talks with the school system on creating inclusive policies have stalled.





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