Hilton Head Island Teacher Files Defamation Suit After Grooming Allegations
HILTON HEAD ISLAND — A middle school teacher has taken legal action against a group of parents and community members who accused her of “grooming” students. The defamation lawsuit was filed by Mardy Burleson from Hilton Head Island Middle School following a controversial incident that began in January 2023.
The situation escalated after Burleson created a 29-question online survey for her computer science class, designed to help her get to know her new students. This survey, accessible through Google Classroom and visible to parents, included questions about preferred names, pronouns, and whether students wanted their pronouns kept private. One student shared the survey with their parents, David and Susanna Cook, which led to them contacting the school principal.
Initial Reactions and Allegations
Following the principal’s request for Burleson to modify the survey to prevent further conflict, the matter took a turn for the worse. According to Burleson’s lawsuit, the Cooks, along with other community members, launched a public campaign against her. They made serious allegations that she was manipulating students and engaging in inappropriate behavior.
The lawsuit specifically names several individuals, including David Cook, who is known for his prior outbursts at school board meetings regarding the banning of controversial books in the school curriculum. In June 2023, Cook gained attention when he threw chicken feed at school board members as a demonstration. Currently, Cook is under a trespass notice from the district after raising safety concerns previously outlined by Burleson.
A Broader Coalition
Other notable figures involved in the public backlash include Thomas Beach, a Republican state representative, Michael Covert, a former county council member, and Elizabeth “Ivie” Szalai, another concerned parent. All have been accused of spreading false and damaging claims against Burleson on social media and during public meetings.
For instance, an individual named Corey Whittington utilized his podcast to assert that Burleson’s survey was secretive and inappropriate, claiming she was engaging in grooming behaviors. These statements, defined legally as manipulative actions by a predator to create a bond with a child for abusive purposes, were particularly dangerous and damaging to Burleson’s reputation.
Burleson’s Position
Burleson, who has since stepped down from her teaching position at Hilton Head Middle School but remains employed within the Beaufort County School District, expressed in a statement that she is pursuing this legal challenge to stand against defamation, harassment, and intimidation faced by educators today.
Represented by the Equality Legal Action Fund, a group committed to countering extreme narratives against public officials and educators, Burleson emphasized that many educators in South Carolina feel threatened by extremist views but vowed to be a voice for herself and others.
A National Conversation
This case has emerged against the backdrop of a larger national dialogue about book bans and gender identity in schools. For many, it raises critical questions about how educators can safely interact with their students in increasingly charged political environments.
In light of the growing tension around education and parenting in the United States, Burleson’s lawsuit sheds light on how misinformation and fear can impact those dedicated to teaching and serving children. Burleson hopes her stand will encourage others to speak out against such hate-filled rhetoric and defend the rights of educators.
The Beaufort County School District has chosen to refrain from commenting on the ongoing legal matter, leaving many questions unanswered in this deeply polarizing issue.
