"He Was a Guardian": Students Stand by Fired Lakeside Teacher Over Alleged Threat

A Shocking Firing of a Beloved Educator

Current and former students at Lakeside High School are deeply disturbed by the sudden dismissal of Jerry Meitin, an award-winning math teacher, following what they believe was an overly serious reaction to a seemingly harmless comment.

Authorities in Columbia County confirmed that Meitin was arrested and booked at the Columbia County Detention Center on charges of making terroristic threats. His bond was set at $5,100. According to the arrest warrant, he allegedly threatened to shoot his students multiple times if he had a gun. The document states that this was done “in reckless disregard of the risk of causing terror.”

However, those who know Meitin say there is no way he intended to harm anyone or meant his words as a real threat. They describe him as someone with a sarcastic sense of humor and a deep passion for teaching.

One of the most significant signs of public support for Meitin is a GoFundMe campaign launched to help cover his legal fees and bond. Within just 36 hours of his firing being announced, the campaign had already raised over $26,000.

When asked why the school system chose to fire Meitin immediately instead of placing him on leave, a spokesperson responded, “We cannot discuss personnel matters,” and provided the letter sent home to families.

Students and alumni have been vocal about their support for Meitin, emphasizing how much he cared about their education and well-being.

Aaron Wang, a current student, shared, “He cared about our learning deeply. He would always say stuff like ‘brilliant scholars’ and just encourage us each and every day to do better.” Wang also mentioned that during class, the assistant principal entered, and many students and counselors were visibly upset.

Asad Akhtar, another student, described Meitin as someone who did not see teaching as just a job but as a passion. “He was the best math teacher I’ve probably ever had,” Akhtar said.

Shlok Trivedi added, “I really look forward to him, and it’s just a big part of my life. He’s had a really big impact on me.”

Four of these students were in Meitin’s class when the alleged incident occurred. Zaid Qureshi explained, “I didn’t hear any comment made personally. I do know he was kind of unhappy with us, and it was our fault that we were talking, and there’s a test the next day.”

Akhtar noted, “We were giving a hard time with talking and all that, and we had to test the next day. He’s obviously frustrated, but we could definitely see the context behind what was allegedly said.”

Chase Fowers, a Lakeside graduate, emphasized that Meitin was known for his sarcasm and wit. “I think that someone negatively interpreted his sarcasm. Never even close to violence. Never close to any kind of danger with Coach Meitin. I just think it was, especially given our nation today, a poorly placed joke, poorly worded and I think it was misinterpreted.”

Qureshi added, “You can ask people from what, 20 years before, like every class, and they’ll tell you the same things about him because he really was dedicated to not only teaching, but helping the students and building a community around math and Lakeside.”

A parent shared that their son came home very upset about the situation. “He and his classmates love Mr. Meitin. They immediately started talking together about what they could do - a petition or similar.”

The parent continued, “I don’t think we can support the insensitive comment in this climate, but unless the county has some really terrible evidence of intent, it’s just a very stupid sarcastic joke by an otherwise adored teacher.”

Principal Juliet King informed parents about the incident in a letter. “In order to keep you informed we are notifying you of an ongoing investigation in which a teacher reportedly made comments of a threatening nature towards students during class,” she wrote. “The teacher is no longer employed by the Columbia County School District and will be held accountable according to the law.”

Authorities stated that school district police are handling the investigation, and the incident will be reported to the Professional Standards Commission for further review.

News 12 filed open-records requests with the Columbia County School District for the police report and for his personnel file, but the requests were denied.

Meitin was known for his passionate teaching style, which some believe may have contributed to the controversy. One of his students wrote:

“I was in the classroom when the comment in question was made, and I can say with confidence that it came from his passion for teaching. Like respected coaches such as Dip Metress and Dan Hurley, Mr. Metin is passionate to the point that he can become emotional. This emotion comes from the obstacles he faces, such as students not learning or not listening, yet he still cares deeply. He cares so much that he will go to great lengths for each and every one of us.”

The student concluded the letter: “Mr. Metin, we love you, and we do not wish this tragic sequence of events on anyone. Stay strong, and I hope our statements will help change the public’s opinion of you.”

Former student George Zhou, who organized the GoFundMe campaign, wrote, “Mr. Meitin is not a criminal. He is a teacher, a mentor, and a good man.”

Zhou added, “He was a mentor who genuinely cared about each and every one of us. Any interaction with him would quickly show that he is incapable of holding a grudge and simply seeks to push students to the best they can be.”

Among his honors, Meitin was recognized by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as an Influential Educator. He was also nominated as a STAR Teacher, an honor given to the teacher by the SAT top scorer in the district.

Fowers, who was also Meitin’s cross-country coach, highlighted his sense of humor. “He was always really quick with a joke and sarcastic, but never unkind - and always really positive,” Fowers told News 12.

“He was safe. He was a protector. He was a guide.”