Maryland Teacher on Leave for Mental Health, Not Novels

A Maryland middle school teacher was placed on leave for mental health reasons—not for his novel about a school shooting—according to reports, which indicate another piece of writing prompted a police investigation.

Over the summer, Patrick McLaw, 23, an eighth grade language arts teacher at Mace’s Lane Middle School in Cambridge, sent a four-page letter to a school administrator that indicated he was “not mentally sound,” Matt Maciarello, state’s attorney for Wicomico County, told The Atlantic.

The letter was a “resignation and farewell,” according to WBAL Radio, which said it referenced a recently ended relationship and struggles with his mother.

Several area law enforcement agencies met Aug. 19 to discuss the matter, prompting an investigation, according to the Dorchester Star.

Authorities said that McLaw’s authorship of two self-published futuristic novels, including one detailing the largest school massacre in the nation’s history, were pieces of the puzzle but were not the driving factors behind the investigation.

“It didn’t start with the books, and it didn’t end with the books,” Maciarello told the L.A. Times.

Police searched the Eastern Shore middle school using K-9 officers to look for bombs, guns and suspicious items the day McLaw was committed for an emergency evaluation of his mental health, according to WNEW.

A search of McLaw’s home in Wicomico County revealed a model of the school building, which combined with other factors—such as the fact that he had asked to switch classrooms to be closer to the exits—led officials to deem his mental state a “health concern,” The Atlantic reported. The Wicomico County state’s attorney also told the magazine that there was literature about Columbine found in his residence.

In addition, there were allegations of a relationship with a 16-year-old Delmarva boy, according to WBAL.

Police are investigating allegations of harassment involving McLaw as well, the L.A. Times reported.

The second-year teacher was placed on administrative leave Aug. 22 and prohibited from entering Dorchester County and Wicomico County school buildings as well as those within the Delmar school district, according to WBOC.

Authorities informed the community about the matter so they would understand additional Cambridge police presence during the first week of school at Mace’s Lane, the Dorchester Star reported.

McLaw is receiving treatment after being evaluated, according to WBAL.

A petition on Change.org has received more than 2,000 signatures from individuals calling for a public apology from the Dorchester County superintendent and for the reinstatement of McLaw’s teaching privileges or placement elsewhere. Many believed that the teacher was removed from his position due to his novels, drawing concern about First Amendment rights.

Photo Credit: WBOC. Patrick McLaw.

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