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Lambert principal returns to campus after Facebook posts led to temporary leave
davison
Davison - photo by FCN file photo

SOUTH FORSYTH — Gary Davison returned to Lambert High School on Monday after being placed on leave for six school days in response to Facebook posts the educator had shared.

The leave was the result of a meeting Jan. 28 between Davison, who has led the district’s largest school since it opened in 2009, and Forsyth County School Superintendent Jeff Bearden.

Jennifer Caracciolo, spokeswoman for the school system, said Tuesday that neither the district nor Davison are commenting further on the matter.

Assistant Principal Pam Bibik served as acting principal while Davison was out.

Most of the posts, which were largely shared last summer and fall, focused on anti-Muslim rhetoric, calling Islam a violent religion.

One shared a picture with text that said, “One nation under God, not Allah,” while another supported Gov. Nathan Deal’s office in calling for Georgia to stop accepting Syrian refugees.

Other posts were unfavorable toward the LGBT community, Caitlyn Jenner and Planned Parenthood.

In a statement Friday, Bearden said the decision to allow Davison to return to Lambert was made after “much thought, careful consideration and meeting” with him.

“Dr. Davison has apologized for his mistakes and is fully committed to regaining the community's trust,” Bearden said at the time. “I firmly believe he has learned from this experience and is committed to ensuring a positive culture and climate for all students that attend Lambert.”

Davison mirrored those thoughts in a statement released by the school system that afternoon.

“Please know that every student at Lambert is very important to me,” Davison said. “I appreciate all that Mrs. Bibik, the administrative team, teachers and staff have done for the school during my leave of absence. I pledge to each of you to further support the students of Lambert.”