Petition Calls On Salem Schools To Rehire Fired ROTC Teacher

SALEM, MA -- More than 750 people have signed a petition urging Salem Public Schools to retire Michael hunter, who was fired as lead teacher of the school's Junior ROTC program in December after a "belly-to-belly" argument with Assistant Principal Jamie Flynn. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe Campaign has raised $750 since December to help pay for Hunter's legal costs as he tries to get his job back.

"He is an amazing, honorable Marine that our children need in their lives. We believe he was unjustifiably fired and are going to fight for his return. Please fight with us!," the petition reads.

The incident between Hunter and Flynn occurred just before Thanksgiving. The two reportedly argued over the discipline of a student that had sworn at Hunter.

School officials have declined to discuss the case because it is a personnel matter. Superintendent Margarita Ruiz, did, however, agree to meet with parents in December. That meeting drew more than 100 students, parents and former students who spoke in support of Hunter.

A GoFundMe campaign set up by Jennifer Minkema of Salem has raised $750 in donations to support Hunter. The campaign has a goal of raising $2,000, which will be given to Hunter to help pay legal costs related to his firing.

There are 87 students enrolled in the Marine Corps Junior ROTC at Salem High. Hunter, 58, of Swampscott, was paid $93,752 as the senior Marine ROTC instructor at Salem High. His salary was split between the school department and the Marine Corp. Hunter served in the Marine Corps for 22 years, including a combat tour as a platoon commander in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia

In 2011, Salem High School fired Maj. David Flores after multiple complaints were filed by Salem High staff members. A wrongful termination suit Flores filed was dismissed by a federal judge in January 2016.

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Photo of Michael Hunter by Jennifer Minkema.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).