Judge denies move by Amherst schools to block guidance counselor’s reinstatement
SPRINGFIELD — A judge won't stop the reinstatement of a controversial guidance counselor at Amherst Regional Middle School, saying the anti-LGBTQ allegations against Delinda Dykes weren't enough to block her return to work.
Dykes was fired in 2023 for "conduct unbecoming a teacher" after being accused of misgendering trans students and making inappropriate remarks about sexual orientation.
Among the allegations was that Dykes, also a former interim principal at the school, once remarked: "In the name of Jesus we pray that the LGBTQ gay demon that wants to attack and confuse these kids to leave this school now."
After her reinstatement, Dykes released a public statement professing her innocence. It came after a public uproar from certain parents who opposed her reinstatement following an arbitrator's decision that she was not afforded due process by school administrators.
"Let me be clear, I am innocent," Dykes said in the statement. "I deeply share everyone's concern about the safety and well-being of all students, including those who identify as LGBTQIA+ and I will never waver from my commitment to help all students."
The school district appealed to a Superior Court judge for an emergency motion to reverse the arbitrator's decision, which was denied Friday.
Judge James M. Manitsas ruled the school district had fallen "woefully short" of the legal standard to reverse an independent arbiter's decision.
"The mere restating of bare allegations previously alleged by the school district, and found not to have been proven by the arbitrator, falls woefully short of establishing the arbitrator 'exceeded her powers or rendered an award requiring a person to commit an act or engage in conduct prohibited by state or federal law," Manitsas' ruling reads.
The judge also noted that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate "irreparable harm" if Dykes returns to the school.
In response to the news of her reinstatement and the denial by the court, members of the LGBTQIA+ Caucus are planning a standout outside the middle school on Wednesday at 8 a.m., when students return for classes.
A "call to action" by caucus spokesperson Ali Wicks-Lim to community members encourages a showing of rainbows, rainbow flags, trans flags and signs with sparkly or colorful lettering.
"Returning to school can be an exciting time, but it can also cause anxiety, especially for some LGBTQIA+ students. Things may feel especially challenging this year year, as students anticipate the potential return of a staff member who has caused harm to LGBTQIA+ people," the announcement reads. "This is not a protest or a rally, but an opportunity to offer love and solidarity to kids during a vulnerable time."
Read the original article on MassLive .
