Some Joplin students defend teacher who allegedly called teen 'busty'
Some Joplin High School students are standing up for a teacher who allegedly kicked a girl out of class for a dress code violation after calling her too "busty" and "plus-sized."
"Always keep in mind there is 2 sides to every story," student Laynee Wilson wrote in a Facebook post that has been shared more than 1,000 times.
Wilson, who was contacted by the News-Leader, says others in the school saw the aggrieved student earlier in the day with an exposed midriff — and she has the photos to prove it.
She said the teacher "is one of the most positive and encouraging teachers" she has ever had. The woman was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, she said, and is going through a rough time.
Wilson also called the other student's version of events a "fake story."
Seventeen-year-old Kelsey Anderson's story first went viral after her mother shared photos and videos expressing her outrage to Facebook. The photos show Anderson wearing a long-sleeved maroon blouse and blue jeans.
Wilson posted photos Wednesday which appear to show Anderson in the same clothes, except a section of her midriff is showing. Wilson did not take the photos but plucked them from other people's social media accounts.
Joplin High School's dress code prohibits "clothes that expose a bare midriff or backside," according to the student handbook.
Another student, Angel Xenia Oviedo, told the News-Leader that she captured the image, where midriff is bared, while in a school restroom with Anderson.
"People need to realize that this photo was taken in the bathroom, no one else was in there and I did see her tuck the shirt back in before walking out," Oviedo said.
People who are sharing the photo of Anderson with her bare midriff are missing the point, Oviedo said.
"Even if Kelsey was breaking dress code, the teacher was still in the wrong. At the end of the day, Kelsey's confidence was crushed and that's what matters. No student should ever be sexualized, body shamed or called out on something so personal in front of the whole class."
Oviedo said the teacher should have spoken to Anderson privately, instead of in front of the class.
"It's not about Kelsey being dress coded, it's about how the teacher chose to do so," Oviedo said.
Joplin junior Mariah Corben told the News-Leader she was "around the corner" from the class that Anderson was kicked out of and heard a commotion
Corben said, in her opinion, the teacher was simply doing her job by enforcing the rules.
Corben also pointed to the photo of Anderson taken in the bathroom as possible evidence that her outfit broke the school's dress code.
The teacher could have used different words, Corben acknowledged, "but that doesn't mean this woman needs to be blasted on the news as a bad teacher."
There is "more than what meets the eye," Corben said in a Facebook post, which has also been widely shared.
None of the students quoted were in class with Anderson when she was kicked out. Wilson disputed that the teacher made any comments about Anderson's body. Corben said she believes the teacher mentioned Anderson's breasts.
According to an attorney representing Anderson, the teacher also told her that "plus-sized women" need to shop at stores that sell plus-sized clothes.
The teacher allegedly added: "Smaller busted women could get away with more than larger busted women."
Attorney Elizabeth Turner said Anderson was "mortified" by the teacher's comments, which were made in front of her classmates.
"Bullying and body shaming isn't something to take lightly," Turner said.
The Joplin school district said in a statement that the incident is being investigated by the administration to determine if policy has been violated.
"The District does not consider comments by staff members about students' bodies appropriate. Our staff conduct policy requires all staff members to maintain courteous and professional relationships with students," the statement said.
The statement from Joplin Schools said the district is not able to comment on specific incidents regarding students and school personnel.
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