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Gallup science teacher fired, accused of letting kids vape and use THC in class
//science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. d-of-letting-kids-vape-and-use-thc-in-class.html
Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, July 30th 2025 at 21:27 GMT by KOB 4🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
A New Mexico teacher is out of a job Wednesday, accused of allowing students to vape and use THC in class.
Gallup Science Teacher Fired Amid Allegations of Permitting Student Vaping and THC Use in Classroom
GALLUP, N.M. – In a shocking development that has rocked the educational community in Gallup, New Mexico, a high school science teacher has been terminated following serious accusations that she allowed students to vape and consume THC products during class time. The incident, which came to light through student reports and an internal investigation by Gallup-McKinley County Schools, highlights growing concerns over substance use among teens and the responsibilities of educators in maintaining a safe learning environment.
The teacher in question, identified as Jessica Ehardt, had been employed at Gallup High School for several years, teaching science courses to students in grades 9 through 12. According to district officials, Ehardt was placed on administrative leave in late October after multiple students came forward with disturbing accounts of her classroom behavior. The allegations paint a picture of a lax and permissive atmosphere where rules against substance use were not only ignored but seemingly encouraged.
Students described instances where Ehardt allegedly permitted them to use vaping devices openly in the classroom. One anonymous student, speaking to KOB 4 investigators, recounted how classmates would pass around vape pens during lessons, with the teacher turning a blind eye or even joking about it. "She'd say things like, 'Just don't let the principal see,'" the student claimed. More alarmingly, reports suggest that THC-infused products, including edibles and vape cartridges containing the psychoactive compound found in marijuana, were consumed without intervention. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary intoxicating component of cannabis, and its use by minors is illegal in New Mexico, even as the state has legalized recreational marijuana for adults over 21.
The scandal unfolded when a concerned parent, whose child attends Gallup High, reported the behavior to school administrators after their teenager confided in them. This prompted an immediate investigation by the district's human resources department, in collaboration with local law enforcement. Gallup Police Department confirmed they are looking into the matter, though no criminal charges have been filed against Ehardt as of yet. "We're treating this seriously," said a police spokesperson. "Any situation involving minors and controlled substances warrants thorough scrutiny."
District Superintendent Mike Hyatt addressed the situation in a statement, emphasizing the school's zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol on campus. "The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority," Hyatt said. "We acted swiftly upon receiving these reports to ensure a safe learning environment. Ms. Ehardt's employment has been terminated effective immediately." The statement did not provide specific details about the evidence gathered but noted that the investigation included interviews with students, staff, and Ehardt herself.
Ehardt, for her part, has denied the allegations through her attorney, who released a brief statement claiming the accusations are "exaggerated and taken out of context." The attorney argued that Ehardt was attempting to build rapport with students in a challenging educational setting, where Gallup High serves a diverse population including many from low-income families and Native American communities. Gallup, located in McKinley County, is known for its high rates of poverty and substance abuse issues, which some educators say make teaching there particularly demanding. However, critics argue that this does not excuse any lapses in professional judgment.
This case is not isolated in the broader context of New Mexico's educational challenges. The state has seen a rise in teen vaping and marijuana use since the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2021. According to data from the New Mexico Department of Health, youth vaping rates have increased by 20% in recent years, with THC products becoming more accessible through legal dispensaries and black-market sources. Schools across the state have implemented stricter policies, including random searches and educational programs on the dangers of substance use. In Gallup-McKinley County Schools, which serves over 11,000 students, there have been previous incidents of drug-related issues, but none as directly involving a teacher until now.
Parents and community members have expressed outrage over the incident, with some calling for broader reforms. At a recent school board meeting, several parents voiced their concerns. "How can we trust the system if teachers are enabling this behavior?" asked Maria Gonzalez, a mother of two Gallup High students. "Our kids are there to learn, not to experiment with drugs." Others pointed to the potential long-term effects on students, noting that exposure to vaping and THC at a young age can lead to addiction, respiratory issues, and impaired cognitive development. Health experts warn that nicotine and THC can alter brain chemistry in adolescents, whose brains are still developing until around age 25.
The firing of Ehardt has also sparked discussions about teacher training and oversight. Gallup-McKinley County Schools has announced plans to review its professional development programs, potentially incorporating more modules on recognizing and addressing student substance use. "We need to equip our educators with the tools to handle these situations appropriately," said a district spokesperson. Additionally, the school is offering counseling services to affected students, acknowledging the emotional toll such revelations can take.
In the classroom where Ehardt taught, science lessons on topics like chemistry and biology might have ironically intersected with the real-world dangers of substances. Students reported that discussions sometimes veered into topics like the effects of drugs on the body, but allegedly without the teacher enforcing boundaries when it came to actual use. One student claimed Ehardt even demonstrated a "vape trick" during a break, though this has not been corroborated.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about how such behavior went unnoticed for what students say was several weeks or even months. Was there a failure in reporting mechanisms? Did colleagues suspect anything? These are issues the district is grappling with as it seeks to restore trust.
The broader implications extend beyond Gallup. Nationwide, schools are contending with the vaping epidemic, fueled by flavored products marketed to youth. The FDA has cracked down on companies like Juul, but underground markets persist. In New Mexico, with its proximity to tribal lands where cannabis regulations can differ, enforcement is complex.
For now, Gallup High is moving forward without Ehardt, with a substitute teacher taking over her classes. Students are encouraged to report any concerns anonymously through the school's tip line. As one administrator put it, "This is a wake-up call for all of us."
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance educators must maintain: fostering an engaging environment while upholding strict standards against harmful behaviors. In a community like Gallup, where education is a pathway out of hardship, such lapses can have profound consequences. The hope is that lessons learned here will prevent future occurrences, ensuring that classrooms remain places of growth, not gateways to risk.
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Read the Full KOB 4 Article at:
[ https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/gallup-science-teacher-fired-accused-of-letting-kids-vape-and-use-thc-in-class/ ]