Moses Lake High School teacher protests

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake High School teacher protests in front of the school after being put on paid administrative leave for nearly 50 days.

He plans to stay there every day until he gets some answers.

"I have been waiting 48 days for the terms of my dismissal," science teacher Sam Lyman said. "I don't have a document."

Lyman said he was called into an office Jan. 30 at the high school and was told he was being put on administrative leave while an investigation is conducted on student complaints.

"He's currently on paid administrative leave and beyond that, it's a personnel matter and I really can't comment but I can verify those facts," Moses Lake School District Superintendent Steve Chestnut said.

Lyman claims an investigation was conducted and said after the interview process was finished, the list of complaints was expanded from four complaints to 24 and then reduced to just a few, he said.

"They interviewed 79 of my students during a three-day period," Lyman said.

Lyman claims part of the investigation is about an unsavory joke he told in reference to a college he attended, which is run by the Church of Latter-day Saints.

"I told a joke about BYU, I called them Breed 'em Young University," he admits. "I acknowledge I said that. I didn't say it to be offensive to the Mormon faith … I sure do (regret it). I've never been out to hurt anybody's feelings."

"I think it's a form of religious discrimination against me as an ex-Mormon," he said. "I feel I've been tried and convicted in this community. I will never know who made these false comments."

Lyman denies further allegations of how he allegedly took part in an inappropriate sexual conversation and an incident involving a condom.

Another allegation Lyman denies is making fun of a student. He claims he and the student were discussing basketball.

Despite his being placed on administrative leave, he claims he has student support.

"I've had 52 students today come up to me and tell me I'm the best science teacher they've ever had," Lyman said Monday.

He still wants answers.

"I'm going to be back here every day until I hear about something final with my departure," he said.