Porn Star Teacher Stacie Halas Loses Appeal

Stacie Halas, a porn star turned California middle school teacher, has lost an appeal to return to the classroom. She was fired in April after X-rated videos she participated in were discovered by students and staff.

A unanimous decision by a panel comprised of three judges concluded that Halas is unfit to return to her teaching position. The panel’s finding was reportedly based around the former teacher’s continual dishonesty to employers regarding her pornographic background.

The Associated Press reports that the accessibility of the porn videos across the internet also played a role in the panel’s ruling. In an excerpt from the near 50 page decision by the Commission on Professional Competence, Judge Julie Cabos-Owen wrote the following:

“Although [Halas’] pornography career has concluded, the ongoing availability of her pornographic materials on the internet will continue to impede her from being an effective teacher and respected colleague. While [Halas] failed to establish that she can be trusted as a role model for children or an example of redemption, the circumstances of this case most certainly demonstrate that one’s decisions and conduct, particularly continual deceit, must bring with them certain consequences.”

The 32-year-old former porn star was dismissed in April 2012 from her science teaching position at Haydock Intermediate School in Oxnard, California. The firing occurred after graphic videos made during a nine month long career in pornography were found on the internet by Halas’ students and coworkers.

The Ventura County Star writes that Halas has the right to appeal the ruling to Ventura County Superior Court. Richard Schwab, legal representation for Stacie Halas, has not confirmed if that is the path his client intends to take. On Tuesday he remarked on the panel’s decision:

“We are very disappointed, obviously. With all due respect to the commission’s decision, we do believe Ms. Halas was being honest and forthright but was extremely embarrassed and humiliated by her previous experience in the adult industry. I believe this matter sadly indicates that when people have a past which is not criminal or hurts other individuals, they may not be able to be remediated or redemptive because of their past experience.”

Do you think Stacie Halas, or any teacher with a porn star past, should be allowed to continue teaching?