A Milwaukee elementary school counselor is under investigation by the state for “immoral conduct” after speaking out against sex-change surgery for children, according to a report.
Marissa Darlingh received a letter from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction April 29 warning her that her state-issued license could be revoked if the investigation finds she engaged in “immoral conduct” while attending a rally in Madison a week before, The Center Square reported.
“(DPI) has opened an investigation to determine whether to initiate educator license revocation proceedings against you,” the letter states. “It has been alleged that you engaged in immoral conduct.”
The letter specifically cites Darlingh’s use of profanity at the feminist rally and opposition to sex-change surgery for children.
“According to a report and video submitted by a community member, you participated in an event in Madison on April 23, 2022, in which you identify yourself as an elementary school counselor,” the letter continues. “You are on video saying ‘f*** transgenderism.’ You state you do not believe children should have access to hormones or surgery.”
Darlingh acknowledged being at the rally, where she was one of several speakers.
“I oppose gender ideology ever entering the walls of my school building,” Darlingh said, according to The Center Square. “Over my dead … body will my students be exposed to the heart of gender identity ideology. Not a single one of my students under my … watch will ever, ever transition socially, and sure as hell not medically.”
DPI’s warned her the investigation will “determine if there is probable cause to support allegations of immoral conduct” and gave her the option to resign ahead of the investigation, but Darlingh opted instead to fight.
On Wednesday, the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty vowed to sue on behalf of Darlingh if the state tries to suspend or revoke her license over her opposition to transgenderism or use of profanity.
“The state is, quite simply, trying to punish a public-school counselor for her views on gender ideology,” WILL’s Luke Berg said. “This is a classic, clear-cut, violation of the First Amendment and the state can expect a federal lawsuit if it proceeds.”
Darlingh said nothing is going to change her mind about the issue.
“My views on the harms of gender ideology to children are informed by a desire to serve and protect children,” Darlingh said in a statement. “That’s why I got into education. I will love and serve every child under my care, no matter what. But I won’t recant under threat from the state.”