GREENVILLE, Texas — A photo depicting a teacher in Greenville ISD with her foot on a Black elementary school student’s neck sparked outrage when it quickly made the rounds on social media. Now, that teacher is no longer employed by the district.

The teacher resigned upon learning that the subject of her termination was included on a draft agenda of the GISD Board of Trustees’ April 27 agenda, a news release from the district states.

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“We deeply regret the distress this incident has caused, and I am accepting the teacher’s resignation,” Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins said.  “Nonetheless, we will report what occurred to the State Board for Educator Certification. They will determine what action might be taken concerning her teaching certificate.” 

The photo previously was described as a “staged” and intended as some kind of joke.

The teacher’s letter of resignation was provided to Spectrum News 1 by the district. In it, the former teacher identifies herself as Jennifer Kelley. She says the circumstances in which the photo was taken aren’t fully known.

“While the photo in question was a mistake, the full story is still not known. However, I am leaving this career with my head held high knowing that my reputation and the positive impact that I have made on hundreds of students will forever be my legacy,” Kelley wrote.