Restore the name and career of Angel Footman

The Issue
My daughter, Angel Footman, has been a beacon of integrity and dedication throughout her career. However, due to circumstances beyond her control, she finds herself in a situation where her reputation and career have been unjustly tarnished. As her parent, I have witnessed firsthand the strength of her character and the passion she invests in her work. It is heartbreakingly unjust to see her civil rights being violated and her professional dreams slipping through her fingers.

Angel has always been committed to her career, demonstrating excellence and a tireless work ethic. Her contributions have played a significant role in her field, yet this has been overshadowed by misunderstandings and an unfair portrayal in certain areas of the media. It is critical that we come together to not only restore her name and career but to also shed light on a broader issue of how quickly individuals, especially women, can be vilified without concrete evidence or a fair chance to defend themselves.

The violation of Angel's rights is not an isolated incident but symptomatic of a wider societal problem where due process is not thoroughly respected. Statistics show that over 68% of individuals who face career-related tarnishing without due process experience lasting negative impacts on their personal and professional lives. This must change, and change begins with action and awareness.

We are calling upon the community to stand in solidarity with Angel. We urge those in positions of influence and power to review her case, acknowledge the lack of proper procedure, and right the wrongs that have been committed. By doing so, we can set a precedent that upholds justice and fairness.

Your support can make a significant difference. By signing this petition, you are not just standing for Angel, but for justice and fairness for all. Help us restore Angel Footman's name and career to her rightful standing. Sign the petition now and be a catalyst for change.

PETITION SUMMARY

In 2023, Angel Footman, a teacher at Griffin Middle School in Tallahassee, Florida, was wrongfully arrested and publicly shamed over false accusations of organizing student fights. A short video clip showed her telling students “no screaming or yelling”—a directive she had received from veteran staff. Despite students refusing to testify against her and no evidence that she encouraged fighting, Angel was arrested, and her mugshot was circulated globally.

The charges were eventually dropped, but the damage to her reputation, career, and emotional well-being remains. Angel’s story was never publicly told, and she was pressured into silence during a politically charged moment.

WHAT ANGEL FACED INSIDE THE SCHOOL

Angel entered Griffin Middle School with a heart to serve and protect students. But instead of support, she faced resistance from within.

She was reprimanded by school staff for writing too many disciplinary referrals—despite witnessing frequent violence and disruption. She was told, “This is what the kids do,” and discouraged from documenting behavior that clearly violated school policy.

Seeking help, Angel reached out to the school board. In response, the Assistant Superintendent told her she was “young” and advised her to stop using terms like “toxic work environment” "bullying" and “harassment”—language that reflected her lived experience.

These responses sent a clear message: stay silent, accept dysfunction, and don’t challenge the system. Angel refused to compromise her integrity, and for that, she was punished.

ANGEL'S' RECORD OF EXCELLENCE

Before this ordeal, Angel Footman had never been in trouble at Griffin Middle School. She consistently received positive evaluations and was recognized for her students’ success—scoring the second highest among veteran staff during state testing.

Her performance reflected her commitment, skill, and care for her students.

Despite this, we have repeatedly requested Angel’s personnel file from the school district—a public record under Florida’s Sunshine Law—and have received no response. This lack of transparency adds to the injustice and raises serious questions about accountability.

Why withhold the record of a teacher who was praised until the moment she was accused?

WHAT ANGEL'S COLLEGUES SAID

A teacher at Griffin Middle School told me that Angel was very timid and often sought help from her peers and administrative staff regarding student behavior. She confirmed that it was common practice to tell students “no screaming or yelling” and to not intervene in fights—a directive Angel followed.

she also shared that she heard school staff coercing children into what to say before the sheriff's department arrived. Another fact that can be proven by a fictitious report written with no base or merit.

This teacher then asked if I had spoken to the superintendent about Angel’s case. I told her that she should have spoken to the superintendent herself—on Angel’s behalf.

ANGEL'S GENOROSITY AND IMPACT

Angel Footman didn’t just teach—she fed, clothed, and stocked her classroom with resources for students who needed them most. She created a space of safety and dignity.

After her abrupt departure, we were told that students cried for months we were told. Students tried to reach out to Angel to offer support, but she was quickly told to shut down her social media by the powers that be. Coaches later shared that Angel had been quietly paying extracurricular fees for students who couldn’t afford to participate.

Her love for her students went far beyond the classroom. She gave her time, her money, and her heart—and they felt it.

This moment revealed something heartbreaking: Angel was not alone in facing these challenges, but she was left alone when it mattered most.

A LONG HISTORY OF VIOLENCE AT GRIFFIN

Griffin Middle School has struggled with violence for decades. Located in the Griffin Heights neighborhood, the school has faced persistent safety issues, including classroom fights, tragic student deaths, and a reputation for instability.

In recent years:

Griffin received a “D” rating and launched a comeback plan to improve academic performance and student well-being.
Parents have sued the Leon County School Board over classroom fights at Griffin.
The school held a gun violence awareness event after multiple student deaths, highlighting the emotional toll on its young students.

While official rankings vary, Griffin is widely regarded as one of the most violent schools in Leon County. Angel was placed in this environment and punished for trying to maintain order and safety.

THE NIGHT BEFORE JURY SELECTION

The night before jury selection, our attorney received a call from the prosecutor. the attorney relayed us that the students involved did not want to testify against Angel—because she had not made them fight. He said that if they were forced to testify, they would run away from home.

We were told to come in the next morning to inform the judge of our decision and to sign what we believed was a dismissal. Instead, we were handed a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA)—a legal document that implied guilt and required Angel to complete a program to avoid prosecution.

This moment was devastating. We had done everything right. The students had spoken the truth. And yet, Angel was still treated as if she were guilty.

ANGEL'S INTERROGTION: WHAT THE VIDEO REALLY SHOWS

During Angel Footman’s interrogation, she clearly stated that she did not organize the fight. The sheriff acknowledged this, but focused instead on why she didn’t stop or report it.

This distinction matters. Angel was placed in a chaotic environment with limited support, and her actions were consistent with what she had been told by veteran staff: “no screaming or yelling.” She was trying to maintain calm—not encourage violence.

Yet despite her honesty and the lack of evidence, Angel was still arrested and publicly shamed.

WHAT HAPPENED BEHIND THE SCENES

After careful consideration and for Angel's safety, I will not divulge all what happened behind the scenes in this space. However, I will say because of some personal relationships involved, it added to our concern about impartiality and the pressure we felt to remain silent.

Angel’s arrest also occurred during a politically charged election year, which heightened media attention and public scrutiny. We believe this timing contributed to the decision to pursue charges despite internal recommendations to dismiss.

UNEQUAL SCRUTINY AND SELECTIVE ACCOUNTABILITY

Before Angel Footman’s arrest, the State Attorney was given video evidence showing one of the same students involved in a fight earlier that day—before entering Angel’s classroom. Both students had a documented history of fighting, and school personnel were aware of their behavior. In fact, these students were supposed to be expelled, but that disciplinary action was never carried out.

Despite this context, Angel was the only teacher publicly blamed and criminally charged.

Across Leon County, other teachers have faced serious allegations—including giving students drugs—but their names were withheld, and they were not arrested. None of these educators received the level of scrutiny, media exposure, or legal pressure that Angel did

This disparity raises urgent questions:

Why was Angel singled out?
Why was her mugshot circulated globally while others were protected?
What role did politics, race, or institutional bias play in how her case was handled?
Angel’s treatment was not just unfair—it was exceptional in the worst way.

A MOTHER'S JOURNEY

I’ve written a personal letter titled “A Mother’s Journey: A Test of Faith and Perseverance” that shares the emotional and spiritual toll this ordeal has taken on our family. It’s included with this petition so you can understand the heart behind our fight for justice.

A Mother's Journey: A Test of Faith and Perseverance


I never imagined I would be on Facebook, let alone sharing this story. But sometimes, parents and caregivers will go to lengths they never thought possible for their children. In March of 2023, I lost the ability to protect you, Angel. I reached out to many for help—some answered, and others did not. But when your story went global, I knew that the battle was no longer in our hands, but in God’s.
Mama couldn’t fight this fight alone. In those dark moments, I could only fall to my knees and call out to God. I didn’t read the comments or news stories that surrounded your case. What I learned was through others. The pain was overwhelming, and the strength to process it was just not there. Every day was a struggle to get out of bed, but through it all, God carried me.
I remember worrying about sending you to Baton Rouge for law school, thinking it would be too dangerous for you. Little did I know, I had already sent you there, in a way, without even realizing it. You would call me crying during your lunch breaks, telling me about the challenges you faced. It broke my heart, especially when I learned how the system failed you. You were ostracized, unsupported, and when you reached out to the district for help, they responded harshly.
I encouraged you to leave, as many teachers were quitting at the school, but you stayed. You had bonded with the students, and one administrator had praised you for the success your students had on the state tests. This recognition became your anchor, and you decided to stay despite everything we discussed as a family.
I had no idea the depths of the cruelty some people could have in the workplace, especially in a system meant to nurture. This was something I never experienced before, as I thought of the teachers that you and your siblings had in elementary and middle school—who had shown kindness and care. But this was different, and it was heartbreaking to witness you endure it.
This journey has been filled with uncertainty. There are days when I don’t know where it ends, but I know where it started. What I do know is that there are times when you can’t depend on people, only on God. I’ve had friends go silent on me, people who could have helped but chose not to. And while that was painful, it taught me to lean fully on God, for He is the one who sends destiny helpers.
One such person entered my life at the start of this journey. She stood by me not because of my daughter but because she knew me. She encouraged me when I felt like I couldn’t continue. She reminded me to take care of myself, to go out for lunch dates, to find moments of peace. And when her time in my journey was up, she remained a quiet presence, always there to help lift me when I needed it.
There were also small, unexpected signs that God was with me every step of the way. One day, a young man handed me a piece of paper while I struggled to go on with the simplest of tasks.
When I read it in my car, the message was clear: “The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace” (Exodus 14:14). In that moment, I cried, knowing God was present, even in the hardest of times.
This journey has been hard. There have been days of deep depression, loneliness, and uncertainty. I’ve seen things unfold that I only ever read about in the Bible. You, Angel, were persecuted before you even spoke about what you were going through. And it hurt to see how some who claimed to love the Lord were quick to judge, quick to condemn without mercy.
But this is the test we all face—our daily test of grace, mercy, and judgment. Being holy is not
just something we practice on Sundays; it is a daily challenge. We must remember that we may entertain angels without even knowing it (Hebrews 13:2).
There have been other stories of teacher misconduct, but none received the attention or outrage that yours did. Names were hidden, and some stories faded quickly. But we know that God is the final judge. We have faced resistance from those in power, who showed no grace, no compassion. But just as Joseph was thrown into the pit and left for dead, God lifted you out. The charges have been dismissed, and now we pray for restoration, for what only God can restore.
I am forever grateful for the many people who helped along the way—pastors, politicians, new friends, and attorneys. Special thanks to Paul Aloise and Ryan Molaghan, who fought tirelessly for you. Their commitment to justice and truth means the world to us.
As I close, I hope that Angel’s story helps other teachers who might be entering the profession or are already in it and feeling like they are in the wrong environment. Please, if you ever need help, reach out. Do not take matters into your own hands. Remember, vengeance belongs to the Lord, and He hears every prayer. Keep praying, be still, and trust in His timing.
God is always with us. Be blessed.
Proud Mom of Angel

ANGEL'S RESILENCE: DIVINE MINDS

Despite everything, Angel Footman has not given up on education. She has since launched her own tutoring company, Divine Minds, which has grown with great success.

Her passion for helping students continues—and her story is proof that no injustice can silence true purpose.

WHAT WE ARE ASKING

We call on the Leon County School Board, Griffin Middle School Administration, State Attorney’s Office, and local media outlets to:

Publicly clear Angel Footman’s name
Support her return to teaching
Investigate the circumstances that led to her wrongful arrest
Acknowledge the emotional and professional harm cause
Reverse the Deferred Prosecution Agreement (although she completed the requirements quickly)
WHY IT MATTERS

Angel’s story is not just about one teacher—it’s about protecting educators from political scapegoating and ensuring fairness in our schools. Her courage and faith deserve recognition, not silence.
By signing this petition, you stand for justice, truth, and the dignity of those who serve our children.
CALL TO ACTION

Sign and share this petition to help restore Angel’s name and ensure no other teacher faces this kind of injustice. Together, we can make sure her voice is heard.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

This petition is based on personal experiences, publicly available information, and firsthand accounts. It is not intended to defame, accuse, or misrepresent any individual or institution. All statements reflect the sincere efforts of a parent seeking justice and transparency.
We reserve the right to update or revise this petition if legal counsel advises changes. Posting this petition does not waive any legal rights or claims related to Angel Footman’s case.