Former Idaho Teacher Fights Getting Fired for Facebook Picture

POCATELLO, Idaho (AP) — The former Pocatello High School girls' basketball coach who was fired after a photograph appeared on a social networking website showing a male coach touching her chest is challenging her dismissal.

Last month, School District 25 officials fired Laraine Cook and are now seeking to have her teaching certificate revoked by the state Board of Education. But Cook tells the Idaho State Journal she has an attorney and is appealing her dismissal through the grievance process.

She says losing her job and possibly her teaching certificate are too harsh considering the circumstances. Before her dismissal, a photo was posted on Cook's Facebook page showing her boyfriend — Pocatello High School football coach Tom Harrison — touching her chest. Harrison has been reprimanded but continues to coach the football team.