Archdiocese of Los Angeles official says former teacher's allegations are 'false'

An official of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in California dismissed as “false” the allegations made by a Filipino teacher, who said she was fired by the Precious Blood Elementary School because she spoke Tagalog on school grounds.   In an e-mail response to GMA News Online, media relations assistant director Carolina Guevara said the Archdiocese—which manages Precious Blood—“does not comment on personnel issues.”   She confirmed an Asian Journal news website, however, that “the pastor, principal, and the Department of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese are meeting with parents to address their concerns and correct false impressions.”   Asian Journal reported on Jan. 21 that Nimfa Cook, who taught fifth grade at Precious Blood, alleged that she was fired after Principal Karen Velasquez “had banned the language from being spoken on the school campus.”   Precious Blood “is a tiny Catholic school in the outskirts of Historic Filipinotown,” with Filipinos making up for “more than half” of the 200 students currently enrolled there, it added.   “Cook, who has 20 years experience as a teacher, said she was terminated before winter break without an explanation and plans to sue the school for wrongful termination. She also claims that at least 20 students left the school during the Christmas break and many parents have started a petition to oust the current Principal Velasquez,” the report said.   In an interview with Asian Journal, Velasquez declined further comment on the issue, “because it is a personal matter.”   “There [are] facts and evidence that cannot be disclosed at this time… because it deals with employees and a former employee, it is confidential. That’s why I can’t disclose facts,” she said, referring all other questions to the Archdiocese’s media relations office.   Guevara, in turn, attached “the letter that was sent to parents regarding these allegations.”   Addressed to the students’ parents, the letter said: “We would also like to take this opportunity to address a recent report in the media alleging that our school is banning the use of Tagalog and that 20 students have left the school since we returned from the Christmas Break. We want to make clear that these allegations are unfounded and untrue.”   “It is best that we talk to each other, rather than about each other. This process will require time and effort, but it will ensure the best to happen for our school family,” said the letter, dated January 13 and signed by Velasquez and Rev. Fr. Manuel Gacad, the school’s pastor. — ELR, GMA News