Herald-Leader, the superintendent states that Cockrel was fired for alleged
insubordination, conduct unbecoming a teacher, inefficiency, and
incompetence.  Mooneyhan claimed that his action was not based on Cockrel's
views on hemp.
          Cockrel said she intends to appeal her dismissal and seek a public
hearing.  She has stated in the past that she believed she was being
persecuted for her stand on hemp.  Last July, Mooneyhan acknowledged that
Cockrel was being investigated by school officials because of complaints
from parents and local law enforcement officers following Harrelson's
presentation.
          At that time, Cockrel adamantly defended her actions.  "I still
believe what I did in the classroom was positive," said Cockrel, who
participates in a state program known as Environment in the Classroom.  She
said that industrial hemp, as well as kenaf, soybeans and other alternatives
to growing tobacco are frequently discussed in her class.  "I believe in
myself.  My students believe in me.  If I'm not allowed to teach the truth
to students, I'd rather quit teaching."
          For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre of The NORML
Foundation @ (202) 483-8751.
                                    -END-
  MORE THAN 10 MILLION MARIJUANA ARRESTS SINCE 1965 . . . ANOTHER EVERY 54
                                  SECONDS!
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