An Alabama school cafeteria worker has been fired for collecting donations to help pay for student lunches, sparking debate over whether her actions warranted termination.
The Shelby County School Board in Alabama voted to dismiss Avette Dunn after a hearing on Tuesday, citing dishonesty in her responses during questioning as the primary reason for her firing. Board members also claimed Dunn overstepped her job duties by soliciting donations.
Dunn, who worked at an elementary school in the district, testified that she was simply trying to ensure no child went hungry.
“I made a mistake, and I think I should be able to go back to my job,” Dunn said. “In my opinion, I think I should have just got suspended for two weeks, but I’ve been off since October.”
Her attorneys argued that no specific rule prohibits school employees from asking for donations, noting that teachers often fundraise for classroom supplies through online wish lists and other means.
School officials countered that no child at Dunn’s school had ever been denied lunch, suggesting her efforts were unnecessary. However, they maintained that her dismissal was primarily due to dishonesty rather than the act of collecting donations itself.
The case has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of school meal debt and how districts handle students who can’t afford lunch. While Dunn’s actions may have been unorthodox, many believe they stemmed from good intentions—raising questions about the priorities of school administrators in handling such matters.
With teachers and staff regularly seeking outside donations for supplies, Dunn’s firing highlights a potential double standard—one that many parents and community members are now questioning.
