Porn Star 'Tiffany Six' Appeal Denied: Where Stacie Halas Can Go From Here

Porn star-turned-teacher Stacie Halas has lost her appeal to continue teaching middle school science in a ruling made on Tuesday. Handed down by three judges on the Commission on Professional Competence, the final decision concluded that Halas should not have a presence in the classroom.

The commission's ruling not only brings about the question of fairness, but also extinguishes the hope that Halas could turn over a new leaf.

The bizarre case began last April, after students and staff found that Halas had appeared in pornographic films under the name Tiffany Six. Initially brushed off as rumor, Halas' foray into porn was finally confirmed after administrators investigated the claims more thoroughly. That investigation led to the firing of Halas from her teaching position at Haydock Intermediate School in Oxnard.

Halas, whose hopes of redemption were crushed by the ruling, contends that she did not participate in pornography while teaching — only spending a short stint in the business in 2005 and 2006.

Halas' lawyer, Richard Schwab, clarified the intentions behind contesting Halas' dismissal, stating that, "We were hoping we could show you could overcome your past." He went on to say, "I think she's representative of a lot of people who may have a past that may not involve anything illegal or anything that hurts anybody."

Although Schwab brings about a valid point, the commission felt differently and offered an equally convincing counterpoint. 

Judge Julie Cabos-Owens, in the 46-page decision, stated that "Although her pornography career has concluded, the ongoing availability of her pornographic materials on the internet will continue to impede her from being an effective teacher and respected colleague."

Although some may claim that Halas' right to engage in legal activity is being infringed upon, no such violation has occurred. Halas certainly has the right to participate in pornographic activities, but that doesn't mean that any potential adverse consequences are stifled, either.

Despite the obvious stereotypes now associated with Halas, this could be her moment to shine. By referencing her own life choices, she could use her experiences to educate many on the importance of making sound decisions. In a world where everything is being filmed and posted on Facebook and YouTube, Halas could use this as a prime example of how long term effects may be rendered by short term decisions — a notion that many young people fail to realize.

Although it was unfortunate that Halas had to lose her job and teaching career over her earlier life decisions, she is in a position to prevent others from going down the same path that she did. Of course, if Halas decides to take another path in life, at least she already has a fall-back option.