The three-person panel did not accept Halas’ arguments that her crushing debt of $100,000 following a split with her fiancé was the reason she appeared in porn movies.
Instead of listening to her arguments that her past had little relation with her present and that the incidents predated her employment as a full-time, paid teacher, the panel found that she could have opted for bankruptcy or a modification of her non-dischargable student loans.
The panel also observed that she was an improper “role model” for students and that she had been dishonest with the school district during its investigation. According to the commission, Halas had admitted to appearing in more than a dozen pornographic films.
The panel observed, “Respondent’s pornographic scenes may demonstrate for viewers a lack of respect for herself and may send a message that she endorses the degradation of women and deviant sexual behavior.”
The alleged porn scenes were shot during a time period when Halas was also working as a student teacher at elementary campuses in two other school districts, according to the commission’s findings.
Halas’ attorney, Richard Schwab was of the opinion that “She obviously is not a sophisticated woman. She is a very good, hardworking, dedicated teacher.” Schwab also said expressing disappointment with the decision, “with all due respect to the commission I believe that they have confused Ms. Halas’ embarrassment and nervousness concerning her participation in the adult film industry years ago with what they believe is her credibility.”