Teacher Fired for Male Dancer Tape Accepts $60,000

PEORIA, Ill. — A gym teacher, fired because she showed a videotape of male aerobics dancers to a class, has accepted a $60,000 out-of-court settlement, her attorney said Thursday.

High school teacher Alice Zook was fired in April, 1984, for showing the videotape. She sued, and a Peoria County circuit court jury last summer ruled she should get her job back.

The school board had planned to appeal that ruling but agreed to settle the case this week, said Chicago lawyer Michael Radzilowsky, who represents Zook. Under the terms of the settlement, Zook will not return to teaching but will get $20,000 in back pay and $40,000 to give up the court fight, Radzilowsky said.