GASTONIA, N.C.,None — Some Gaston County parents are protesting after a school principal abruptly retired.
Jerry Bostic retired from Brookside Elementary School last week after a controversy surrounding his decision to suspend a boy for sexual harassment.
The story gained national attention after the boy, Emanyea Lockett, 9, said he called a teacher "cute" and was suspended for sexual harassment two weeks ago.
The concerned parents are saying that Bostic's retirement was forced.
"We are voters. We do what we have to do," said parent Ben Griggs. "If we don't get the response then we will do what we have to do."
Bostic said he was forced to retire a week after he suspended Emanyea and other parents complained to the school. "One mistake in 44 years, and I'm not given the benefit of the doubt. I really don't believe I was treated fairly," Bostic told Eyewitness News last week.
The district later apologized to Lockett's mother, saying there was no sexual harassment.
Click here to read the school's full statement apologizing for the suspension.
Previous Stories: December 7, 2011: Parents divided over principal's retirement after student's suspension December 7, 2011: Principal forced to retire amid 9-year-old boy's suspension December 6, 2011: School explains boy's suspension in letter to mother December 6, 2011: Mother says son was suspended for calling teacher 'cute'