The Florida teacher who was suspended after encouraging her kindergarten class to vote on whether or not a boy with autism should remain in the class lost her appeal for reinstatement.

Last May Wendy Portillo allowed her kindergarten students to vote on whether or not a boy with autism should stay in the class after he exhibited some behavior problems. Subsequently Portillo was suspended from teaching for one year without pay and her tenure was revoked.

Portillo appealed before an administrative law judge in February. On Tuesday the judge decided to uphold the suspension imposed by the school district, affirming that Portillo’s actions were in violation of the state’s code of ethics for teachers and the school board rules, reports the Scripps Florida Treasure Coast Newspapers.

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Previous stories on this topic:

Teacher Appeals Suspension After Class Votes Out Student With Autism (February 4, 2009)

Teacher Suspended After Class Votes Out Student With Autism (November 20, 2008)

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