On January 7, 2026, Dr. Rebecca Farley, Director of Schools for Cumberland County Schools, issued a formal suspension notice to non-tenured teacher David Wilcox, suspending him without pay for two days (January 8-9, 2026), with a return to work on Monday, January 12. The suspension stemmed from an incident in his art class where he assigned students to complete a “Ring of Culture Diagram,” a chart prompting them to indicate personal details including sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, and socioeconomic status.

The administration interpreted this as constituting “instruction of a sexual orientation curriculum or gender identity curriculum” under Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-6-1308, which requires schools to provide at least 30 days’ prior notice to parents and obtain written, informed, voluntary consent from parents (or the student if 18 or older) before such instruction, including distributing materials, surveys, questionnaires, or any related activities. Wilcox allegedly failed to provide this notice or obtain consent, violating the statute.

The letter further cited breaches of the Tennessee Teacher Code of Ethics, noting that the assignment could expose students to embarrassment or disparagement, and failed to maintain a professional approach and appropriate boundaries with students. Parent feedback highlighted concerns about the personal nature of the questions. Additionally, the principal had previously directed Wilcox earlier in the school year to be more mindful of professional boundaries.

The suspension complied with Board Policy 5.201 for non-tenured teachers, which allows suspension for up to three days without pay for reasons including unprofessional conduct, after providing written notice of reasons and evidence (though the letter references an opportunity for a recorded conference if requested).

Moving forward, Wilcox’s lesson plans will undergo weekly review by the principal or designee, with a warning that further violations could result in more severe discipline, including potential dismissal. HR Director Neeli Jolley separately confirmed the two-day unpaid suspension to payroll.