A male teacher at a Lewisville ISD high school has resigned weeks after being placed on administrative leave over a video of him wearing a dress for spirit day on campus.
Rachmad Tjachyadi, or Mr. T, as students know him, taught in North Texas for 22 years.
On February 14, the right-wing account libsoftiktok, which has 2.8 million followers, posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) a short video of Tjachyadi talking to students at Hebron High School while in a pink dress with matching hat and jewelry.
The video drew criticism, and the social media account which posted the clip of Tjachyadi called on the superintendent to answer questions on why he was allowed to wear the dress.
A Texas chemistry teacher placed on administrative leave for wearing a pink dress to school has announced his resignation
Image credits: change
Even Texas Governor Greg Abbott joined in the outrage, replying to the X thread that “No parent should be forced by the state to send their child to this school.”
Following the online backlash, the district placed Tjachyadi on administrative leave while it reviewed the situation, informing parents in a letter that their decision was “standard procedure.”
The district’s investigation into Tjachyadi’s attire later found he didn’t violate any policies, CBS reported.
Rachmad Tjachyadi taught in North Texas for 22 years
Still, the chemistry teacher resigned, citing the negativity from outside the district and “adult disagreements” as factors that influenced his decision.
In a letter announcing his resignation, Tjachyadi wrote, “It has been challenging to watch the negative external commentary about me and about our campus, but much more important to me is the support shown by my colleagues, students, and LISD.
“My focus is and has always been our students, and I still believe in the important work being done at Hebron and in Lewisville ISD every day.
“It is because of my love for Hebron and our students that I have decided not to return. I know that might sound strange, but any time adult disagreements overshadow our students’ learning and well-being, it is time to step away.”
A video of him in a pink dress and hat for dress-up day at school went viral in February
The teacher’s choice of outfit drew criticism after it was shared by a right-wing social media account
The incident inspired the teacher’s supporters to set up a change.org petition titled “Bring Rachmad Tjachyadi back into Hebron High School,” which has gathered over 20,500 signatures as of Friday (March 8).
“Recently, Mr.Tjachyadi was put on blast on twitter for wearing a pink dress for a spirit day. He is being called a pedophile, among other names, however, this is NOT the case and he is beloved by many students at Hebron,” the petition’s description reads.
Even Governor Greg Abbott used the situation to advocate for supporters of school vouchers, writing “no parent should be forced by the state send their student to this school”
No parent should be forced by the state to send their child to this school.
I’m fighting for the right of parents to send their children elsewhere.
Parents deserve school choice in Texas.
The candidates I am backing will deliver that school choice. https://t.co/8osk9AWDlE
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) February 18, 2024
The teacher’s supporters set up a petition titled “Bring Rachmad Tjachyadi back into Hebron High School”
Image credits: change
It continues: “He is a great teacher, he explains chemistry very well and has created a very fun and safe environment for his students. He does not deserve to be defamed and lose his job.
“He has been an inspiration to many students, and has created a space where everyone can feel valued and safe.”
The petition, accompanied by supportive videos of colleagues and former students, adds that “many students in his class encouraged him to wear the dress in the first place.”
“Your child’s education has nothing to do with what the teacher chooses to wear,” a reader emphasized
