Several dozen teachers, parents, and community members gathered outside the Freeport School District administration building Wednesday, rallying against what they describe as a troubling lack of transparency from district leaders.

The demonstration was prompted by the recent reassignment of Freeport Teachers Association President Patricia Langan, who was moved from her position at the high school to the middle school. Protesters said the transfer fits a broader pattern of intimidation aimed at discouraging staff from speaking out.

Langan rejected the allegations reportedly connected to the decision, calling them baseless and retaliatory.

“They make up false accusations to keep us down, to keep us from speaking up,” Langan told News 12. “Any teacher, any member of the staff faces intimidation, faces charges, faces retaliation.”

In a message to the community, Interim Superintendent Dr. Alice Kane wrote,

“Decisions involving personnel are never taken lightly, and in this instance the rationale applies to Ms. Langan specifically. Because this is a personnel matter, the district is limited in what can properly be shared publicly.”