Carie Charlesworth is fired because of “threat” from abusive ex-husband
Carie Charlesworth, a veteran teacher of 14 years, was fired from Holy Trinity School in El Cajon (a San Diego county) because of her ex-husband’s actions. Carie’s ex-husband, Martin, is currently in jail for violating his restraining order. In January, Martin showed up at the school and was promptly arrested. Shortly thereafter, Carie was placed on “indefinite leave” and her four children were removed from the school. Carie was recently told she was being let go of her job because of the “threat” her ex posed to her and the school children.
The diocese’s director of schools wrote: “Please understand that this was a very difficult decision to make, and we are deeply, deeply sorry about this situation. We will continue to pray for you and your family.” Carie says she and her children are being punished for her ex-husband’s actions. She is unsure of how she will support her children. After all it isn’t all that easy to get a job nowadays.
Martin will be released from jail on June 28th. Carie said she was frightened of his January appearance because they had two prior arguments before that forced meeting. Carie said that Martin has ruined her life. She did everything they tell abuse victims to do. Carie states her situation is exactly why more woman don’t come forward of their abuse.
The diocese thinks they are doing what is in the best interest of the other children attending the school. Their lawyers uncovered a 20+ year history of domestic violence towards others—especially towards women. Furthermore, Holy Trinity teachers are only signed on one-year contracts and can be let go for any reason. The technical terms of her contract allow for the legality of her firing.
I’m outraged that a precedent has been created in which abuse victims are continued to be tortured by their abusers. Why should this man be legally allowed to dictate this woman’s life? At which point did this woman forsake her rights? Her life? At which did her children forsake a normal childhood?
The diocese has every right and responsibility to protect the other students of the school; but doesn’t it also have the responsibility to Carie, a 14-year veteran of the school. I understand this is a precarious situation and a difficult one for the school to handle. However, I feel like they basically have cut all ties to her and have essentially told her “I hope you are okay but we’ve officially stopped caring and by the way good luck out there with your psycho ex-husband.
Another aspect of the story that infuriates me to no end is the fact this “man” somehow can continue to abuse others for over two decades yet gets a “slap of the wrist” in his sentencing. He abuses his wife and gets less than a year in jail. Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich got 14 years for trying to sell a U.S. Senate seat. Explain that one to me.
Couldn’t there be a police presence at the school? If this guy comes again to school he should be arrested indefinitely. Granted I think he should have already been imprisoned indefinitely. As I stated earlier, I think this creates a dangerous precedent that abuse victims will be less forward in revealing their plights. Additionally, the legal system should not allow the abuser to continue to dictate the lives of victims. It’s simply deplorable.
What do you think?
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4 responses to “Carie Charlesworth is fired because of “threat” from abusive ex-husband”
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This is a very difficult situation but, after thought, I have to side with the school. Their paramount obligation is to the students in their charge. How would we feel if a few months from now we were discussing a mass killing at the school because the husband went off the deep end and decided to kill his wife, children and any one else close by? The school did what they did to protect the students and I’m certain that all the parents, while they may not be happy about the need, appreciate the decision.
Having said that, I have two more comments. First, I hope that the school took every available course of action to make this as easy as possible on Ms. Charlesworth and her children. That would include a generous severance package, out-placement assistance and assistance finding a new school for the children.
Second, as you alluded, this speaks more to how our justice system handles domestic violence than it does to how the school handled the situation. We have three strikes and your out laws for criminal behavior, why not for domestic violence? It’s situations like this that make me want to be a family court judge for a few months.
Robert Heinlein wrote a novella once titled “Coventry.” If you get a chance, read it some time. I like the concept.
I definitely think the school has an obligation but I haven’t read of any way they are assisting her in finding another job. Although would another school hire her after this? They might too feel inclined to protect their kids.
I’m not sure if I know what they could do differently, but the firing itself just seems so wrong to me. But yes this is more about out legal system. This guy should not have these many chances.
I will add the book to my list. Have to start reading my books again. I’m the type who doesn’t read novels for months and then reads for hours everyday for months. Thanks for the suggestion.
Maybe it’s time she sued her husband. She clearly has a case for damages. Yes it will anger him but he’s already pissed. Other than that she needs to go into hiding. If he has 20 years of sociopathic history, there’s no need to think it will end well if she standa tall and fights the good fight. If she tginks he will hurt or kill her, then lawsuit might bectoo dangerous. I would have to say you have 14 days to gave a DV agency relocate you and start over. It sucks but its the only short term pragmatic solution. Its not about politics, it’s about survival RIGHT NOW.
Sadly this is probably what it’s come down to. She has to take the precautions necessary to protect her family.
Thanks for the comment!