A teacher from Southern California, embroiled in controversy over a racist meme, has stepped down after an investigation exposed his hacking claim as false.

John Solomon, who had served in the Long Beach Unified School District for many years, opted for retirement while facing disciplinary measures following an extensive investigation, according to the Long Beach Post.

The controversy erupted over a provocative image shared in a private group chat, sparking outrage among educators, parents, and the wider community.

The meme in question showed a cartoon of a Black child with an ankle monitor, accompanied by the text: “We need this for our runners.”

Colleagues criticized the message for seemingly mocking special education students who occasionally leave school grounds without permission, suggesting it was offensive on both racial and disability grounds.

An independent probe, initiated by the district, determined that the message “demeaned students of color and those with disabilities,” ultimately creating a toxic environment and undermining Solomon’s teaching effectiveness.

Solomon denied ever sending the meme, insisting his phone had been hacked. But both a teachers union investigative panel and the district ultimately rejected that claim.

According to the district’s findings, his version of events conflicted with multiple witness accounts, and he declined an offer to have his phone forensically examined — a step that could have supported his defense.

The controversy first surfaced last fall while Solomon was serving on the teachers union’s bargaining committee.

As scrutiny grew, union leaders publicly criticized him and called for his resignation from a leadership role. Fellow educators also pushed him out of the position.

Initially, the school district opted not to pursue its own inquiry, citing the message as part of internal union communications.

But that stance changed after the image became public, igniting what officials described as a “public outcry” and prompting complaints from families and students, including formal allegations of discrimination.

Solomon remained employed but was placed on paid administrative leave for roughly six months as the district reexamined the case. Investigators ultimately determined his denial lacked credibility, paving the way for disciplinary action.

Rather than face termination, Solomon chose to retire — a move he now claims was effectively forced.

In a complaint filed against his union, he alleges he was pushed out “to avoid termination and subsequent loss of pay and health insurance.”

He is also accusing the Teachers Association of Long Beach of mishandling the situation, claiming union leadership allowed the meme to spread widely beyond the original private chat. According to his filing, flyers featuring his image and the meme were distributed at school sites, further amplifying the controversy.

Solomon contends the union later refused to provide him legal representation during the disciplinary process unless he agreed to waive certain claims against them.

“Long Beach Unified holds employees to clear expectations for professional conduct. Actions that undermine a respectful and inclusive learning environment are taken seriously and addressed in accordance with District policy and applicable law,” a spokesperson for the district said.

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