(KCEN)- A Marlin Kindergarten class is left without their teacher after she said, she was forced to choose between her baby and her career.
Marlin Elementary Kindergarten teacher Anna Johnson said, she had no choice but to quit after her school principal would not accommodate her breastfeeding needs.
Johnson said, before the new school year she received an email from her new principal Wes Brown introducing himself.
In her reply, she informed Brown she was a new mother and needed to pump during school hours.
Johnson said, he replied that he was going to get a room ready to designate for pumping and that he was looking at coverage during those times.
However Johnson said, once classes began those promises fell flat. She said, she made attempts to compromise and asked for only one 15 minute break during class instead of three but that Brown could not meet her request.
Johnson said, she had no choice but to quit and called the Association of Texas Professional Educators for help.
After speaking with the ATPE Johnson learned the Fair Labor Standards Act states, employers must provide break times to nursing mothers but only to those considered non-exempt. Teachers are considered exempt, meaning legally Marlin Elementary was not in the wrong.
Johnson said, she hopes by telling her story more people will become aware of a law she doesn't think is fair.
Marlin Elementary School Principal Wes Brown declined to comment.
Reporter- Tiffany Lundberg
Video Journalist- Rocky Bridges
