HOUSTON – The former teacher who resigned from her position at an elementary school amid allegations of teaching hate and racism in her classroom has filed a defamation lawsuit against community activist Quanell X, the New Black Panther Nation and the New Black Muslim Movement, Inc.
Angela Box was a third-grade teacher at Ray K. Daily Elementary School. At the time, she also served as a panelist on the conservative Internet show "Tommy's Garage."
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Quanell X accused Box of making racist and offensive comments aimed at practicing Muslims on that show. He has also questioned whether her views were influencing her students. Box denied making any comments that were intentionally hateful.
A press release was sent out claiming Box referred to President Barack Obama as "a [expletive] [N-word] and black people dumb ass for voting for him." Quanell X expressed concern because Box was still in the classroom teaching black children.
On Nov. 14, Quanell X held a press conference in front of Daily Elementary, demanding she be removed from her position for what he called bigoted and racist remarks.
Box said the press conference created a hostile work environment and left her no choice but to end her employment as a teacher, adding that she felt she would never find employment as an educator again.
The Houston Independent School District unanimously accepted Box's resignation in December, determining it would be in the best interest of the school and its students. Box received the equivalent of three months' pay.
Box issued the following statement after resigning:
"I will deeply miss my students at Ray K. Daily Elementary School. These early years of growth and learning are a magical time, and I will always treasure the moments I had with each of them. Unfortunately, the character assassination I suffered at the hands of Quanell X, the New Black Panther Party, The New Black Muslims, and others ruined any chance of continuing this journey with my students. His false statements and threats of violence made the situation at my school simply impossible for everyone.
As I have said before, opposing President Obama and sounding the alarm about radical Islam does not make me a racist. I did not make the statements containing the racial epithets Mr. X attributed to me, as he has since admitted. However, the damage to me has been done."
Box says she is seeking to regain her reputation in order to secure future employment and to stand up for her First Amendment right to free speech.
She is seeking monetary relief aggregating $200,000 or more, including damages, penalties, costs, expenses, prejudgment interest and attorney fees.