Duval teacher faces suspension after discussing sexuality with students

DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — A longtime Duval County teacher has been recommended suspension for 15 days without pay and given a written reprimand after students filed several complaints.

Among the complaints? Calling students "gay" and asking them about their sexuality.

Duval County Public School System says Kelly Hendrix, a Southside Middle School teacher, violated the code of ethics. An investigative team found the allegations were supported by evidence.
 
Four written statements were given to the principal of Southside Middle School. They say Hendrix asked them questions that made them feel uncomfortable like, "Are you gay? How do you know you're not attracted to the female body?"

Another written statement by a student says Hendrix threatened kids by saying quote: "I own you, you listen to me. "[Bleep] all the other staff, it's only me."

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During one of the interviews, a student told an investigator Hendrix talked about her own sexuality.  It reads, in part: "Ms. Hendrix told him that she kissed and had sex with another female teacher."
 
In 1998, Hendrix was given her first written reprimand for jerking, slapping students and calling them "little brats."
 
The 15-day suspension is pending board approval.

WJAX