Mesa Public Schools is currently investigating an unsettling incident that has come to light.
Over in Mesa, Arizona, at Mesa High School, a teacher has been placed under scrutiny following reports of them dressing as a devil and greeting students with “hail Satan,” according to an account from a student in the classroom.
Nathaniel Hamlet, a sophomore, recounted that last Wednesday upon entering class, he was surprised to see his teacher with devil horns and wielding a pitchfork. Hamlet mentioned that the teacher playfully waved the pitchfork over students’ heads, chanting “hail Satan.”
“It was a mixed bag of reactions,” Nathaniel recounted. “Some found it hilarious, others didn’t enjoy it, and some weren’t bothered at all.”
On the following Tuesday, the teacher clarified that the outfit was part of Halloween spirit week festivities. They explained that the theme for the day was “dynamic duos,” with a neighboring teacher dressed as an angel.
“Engaging in spirit weeks helps me bond with students and make the learning environment lively,” the teacher noted. “It wasn’t intended as anything more.”
Nevertheless, Nathaniel shared that he felt uncomfortable because of his religious beliefs.
“I voiced my discomfort and kept pushing the pitchfork aside, yet it persisted,” Nathaniel elaborated.
Nathaniel shared the experience with his father, Chris Hamlet, who is also a former Mesa school board candidate. Chris took the matter up with the school principal.
“As a fellow Christian, it was very troubling to hear,” Chris Hamlet expressed. “What really got to me was that the teacher continued the act despite Nathaniel’s clear objections.”
The following day, Nathaniel noted the teacher’s absence from class, not having been present since. Mesa Public Schools confirmed that the teacher is placed on paid administrative leave.
“That seems fair. However, considering the extent of what he did, I think dismissal is warranted,” Nathaniel commented.
His father concurs, emphasizing that regardless of the humorous intent, the act was inappropriate, Chris Hamlet remarked.
“If we’re excluding Christian teachings in schools, then devilish representations should also be excluded,” Chris stated.
In an earlier Facebook post, Chris Hamlet declared: “Evil is rampant… we need WARRIORS for CHRIST!”
An advocate against perceived “indoctrination” in schools, Chris Hamlet ran for Mesa’s school board in 2022, drawing support from notable Republicans like state Sen. Wendy Rogers and Congressman Paul Gosar. He finished sixth out of seven candidates.
A spokesperson for Mesa Public Schools provided a statement regarding the matter:
“The administration at Mesa Public Schools was alerted to the alleged incident late Wednesday. The Human Resources department began an investigation the following Thursday, placing the teacher on paid leave. The probe is still ongoing.”
Parents collecting their children from school on Monday mentioned that while they disagree with the teacher’s actions, they believe firing him might be too severe.
