Smithtown HS East Teacher Says He Was Fired For Being LGBTQ Ally; Superintendent Responds

ST. JAMES, NY — A Smithtown High School East teacher claims he was fired because he was an ally to the LGBTQ community.

Josh Tilton on Instagram wrote that he was denied tenure because of his personal beliefs and support of the LGBTQ community.

"When I was denied tenure this past school year, my district tried to manipulate me into believing it wasn’t personal… that it was just business," Tilton said.

Tilton also claimed that an LGBTQ-friendly mural created by his students was painted over once he was out of the building, and that both his firing and the painting over of the mural were targeted bigotry. The mural took 75 hours to paint, according to Tilton.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Secaur responded to Tilton's claims, saying that the Smithtown School District has supported the LGBTQ community.

"Although the district will not comment on a former employee, it is important to know that the claims this individual is making are extremely concerning and inaccurate," Secaur said in a statement. "It is unfortunate that he is trying to tarnish our reputation as the district has been and will continue to be strong advocates for all our students including our LGBTQ population."

Tilton published a photo of the mural on Instagram, as well as that of a white wall he claims used to house the mural. The painting, Tilton says, was done by students considered to be the "counter-culture" in Smithtown.

"These kids, who were not typical nor fit the plexiglass veneer of Smithtown High School, were seeking to make their mark on a school that normally only champions the athletes and more popular and desirable students," Tilton wrote. "The unfortunate thing for these LGBTQ+ students was that they dared let their souls be seen by the public and create a space of acceptance and reflective thinking. This was something the administration could not allow ... This is targeted hate, bigotry, and downright reprehensible."

Tilton says he is considered persona no grata at the Smithtown School District. He added that he mentored, tutored, coached football, and voluntarily co-taught leadership. He says he was viewed as the "most valuable resource" in the school by students and parents.

"Therefore there is not much I can do beyond say, 'I’m sorry - I’m sorry my personal differences with the administration cost you guys all your hard work and your legacy. I wish I was better for you," Tilton said.