Florida Teacher suspended over anti-homosexual remarks:

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  • JonnyPistachioJonnyPistachio Florida Posts: 10,219
    There are a lot of factors surrounding this deplorable act this teacher committed...
    But the one thing I keep returning to is that the things he said eventually were heard by his students and co-workers. I think once it hits their ears, he is finished, no matter how it got there.

    I just cant imagine him teaching my kids. People defending this guys actions, would you be comfortable with him being your kids teacher?


    I don't know. But I think yes. I don't really on a SS teacher to teach my kid about diversity. really depends on his behavior in the classroom. I would certainly want my kid to know that the teacher is wrong in his opinion and was wrong to use the hurtful words, but that everyone makes mistakes and it's better to tackle issues head on them drive the discussion underground with more hatred sent back his way.

    But I understand people feeling the way you do.

    Thats a good way to deal with it too.. I do believe in second chances, but if he really said this:

    "I try to be like Jesus every day. I teach God's truth, I make very few compromises. If you believe you may have a problem with that, get your schedule changed, 'cause I ain't changing! I try to teach and lead my students as if Lake Co. Schools had hired Jesus Christ himself."

    I'd want him nowhere near my kids.
    I still havent learned if this was public school or a private (religious) school... anyone know?
    Pick up my debut novel here on amazon: Jonny Bails Floatin (in paperback) (also available on Kindle for $2.99)
  • cincybearcatcincybearcat Posts: 16,495
    There are a lot of factors surrounding this deplorable act this teacher committed...
    But the one thing I keep returning to is that the things he said eventually were heard by his students and co-workers. I think once it hits their ears, he is finished, no matter how it got there.

    I just cant imagine him teaching my kids. People defending this guys actions, would you be comfortable with him being your kids teacher?


    I don't know. But I think yes. I don't really on a SS teacher to teach my kid about diversity. really depends on his behavior in the classroom. I would certainly want my kid to know that the teacher is wrong in his opinion and was wrong to use the hurtful words, but that everyone makes mistakes and it's better to tackle issues head on them drive the discussion underground with more hatred sent back his way.

    But I understand people feeling the way you do.

    Thats a good way to deal with it too.. I do believe in second chances, but if he really said this:

    "I try to be like Jesus every day. I teach God's truth, I make very few compromises. If you believe you may have a problem with that, get your schedule changed, 'cause I ain't changing! I try to teach and lead my students as if Lake Co. Schools had hired Jesus Christ himself."

    I'd want him nowhere near my kids.
    I still havent learned if this was public school or a private (religious) school... anyone know?

    Don't know. The part about trying to be like jesus doesn't upset me at all. The "I teach God's truth" certainly does. I was under the impression that he teaches Social Studies or something...where does "God's truth" fit in there????

    BUt like I said, I think we may have had a completely different reaction from him if people weren't shouting for him to lose his job instantly. Why do we do that with everyone? As soon as somebody makes a mistake...THEY NEED TO BE FIRED!!!! Really? We'd all be out of work. Sometimes it's justified, but often it;s knee jerk reaction.

    As for his comments here, if I were the school, I would schedule a meeting with him about his attitude and his words and tell him he is creating a hostile environment at the school by telling kids to change their schedules, etc. He would need to verbally, publicly apologize or I would fire his ass and get ready for the lawsuit.
    hippiemom = goodness
  • bgivens33bgivens33 Posts: 290
    I'm fairly certain it was a public school... if this was a private school, it would be a non-issue. A private school can fire you for any reason whatsoever, within the bounds of the law. In some states, they could have fired a teacher just for being gay.
  • g under pg under p Surfing The far side of THE Sombrero Galaxy Posts: 18,200
    Jeanwah wrote:
    pandora wrote:
    that is your opinion and also how it stands now on the rule

    my opinion it should not cover opinions shared in a public manner
    I believe they should have freedom of speech and not fear losing their jobs for their opinions

    conduct as far as threatening others or promoting that and breaking laws in place... yes
    that is what should be of a concern.... not one's core beliefs

    Sadly, the professional world does not work like you would like it to.
    It is not an opinion that professionals should be concerned about how they display themselves publicly.
    It's a fact, and this story is an example of that fact.
    An employer needs no reason to fire an employee, so why would an employee give them a reason? You are a representative of your employer, always. Screw that up and you're out of a job. It goes without saying, Pandora.

    Unfortunately, that is a fact of the real world professionally. Employers DON'T need a reason or have to give you a reson to fire you...I found that out for myself. I worked as a pre-school teacher and I was fired from the job after ten years there. The underlying reason for me being fired I became too popular with the parents to my classroom children and I turned down advances from the school administrator. I didn't mix business with pleasure and she didn't like that so I was fired just like that. We did sign a contract that said we could be fired for any reason and NO reason at all.

    Peace
    *We CAN bomb the World to pieces, but we CAN'T bomb it into PEACE*...Michael Franti

    *MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
    .....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti

    *The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)


  • EmBleveEmBleve Posts: 3,019
    edited August 2011
    Thats a good way to deal with it too.. I do believe in second chances, but if he really said this:

    "I try to be like Jesus every day. I teach God's truth, I make very few compromises. If you believe you may have a problem with that, get your schedule changed, 'cause I ain't changing! I try to teach and lead my students as if Lake Co. Schools had hired Jesus Christ himself."

    I'd want him nowhere near my kids.
    I still havent learned if this was public school or a private (religious) school... anyone know?
    I asked this yesterday, too..apparently now I see that it was public. :? Also, I thought he also taught American history, which was a point of contention for me considering the historical implications of what happened in New York. When I saw this quote on here yesterday about his saying it was as if they had hired Jesus Christ himself, it was quite shocking and ludicrous. In his initial rant, he expressed his hatred in a religious context--now he says "I teach God's truth". ??? Waat. As I've been saying all along, it is impossible for me to think that his mindset doesn't extend somehow, directly or indirectly, into the classroom--this newest quote proves that. As far as educating him on bigotry, I would think that it is quite beyond that point at this stage of his life. I would HOPE not, but I would think so. Everybody knows someone, if not many, in his age group who feel the exact same way as he does (and as cincy, I think, said, so does most of the US re: law). And someone mentioned gay friends and what they think about it... I have several gay friends, one of whom is a psychologist and another who is a career counselor...they both agree that this man is in the wrong profession (mainly because he thought it acceptable to say what he did on facebook) and that it is sad that he has this opinion (much less voiced it in the way he did), and that they had to deal with people who felt this way all of their lives in school and it made their life hell.
    Post edited by EmBleve on
  • EmBleveEmBleve Posts: 3,019
    Jeanwah wrote:
    pandora wrote:
    EmBleve wrote:
    Professions like lawyers, doctors, teachers, and professors have to be concerned with their conduct outside of the workplace. Facebook is not private. And his message was beyond inappropriate. It was a direct representation of what he stands for as a human being.

    that is your opinion and also how it stands now on the rule

    my opinion it should not cover opinions shared in a public manner
    I believe they should have freedom of speech and not fear losing their jobs for their opinions

    conduct as far as threatening others or promoting that and breaking laws in place... yes
    that is what should be of a concern.... not one's core beliefs

    Sadly, the professional world does not work like you would like it to.
    It is not an opinion that professionals should be concerned about how they display themselves publicly.
    It's a fact, and this story is an example of that fact.
    An employer needs no reason to fire an employee, so why would an employee give them a reason? You are a representative of your employer, always. Screw that up and you're out of a job.
    Yes, I agree.
  • brianluxbrianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 42,435
    EmBleve wrote:
    Thats a good way to deal with it too.. I do believe in second chances, but if he really said this:

    "I try to be like Jesus every day. I teach God's truth, I make very few compromises. If you believe you may have a problem with that, get your schedule changed, 'cause I ain't changing! I try to teach and lead my students as if Lake Co. Schools had hired Jesus Christ himself."

    I'd want him nowhere near my kids.
    I still havent learned if this was public school or a private (religious) school... anyone know?
    I asked this yesterday, too..apparently now I see that it was public. :? Also, I thought he also taught American history, which was a point of contention for me considering the historical implications of what happened in New York. When I saw this quote on here yesterday about his saying it was as if they had hired Jesus Christ himself, it was quite shocking and ludicrous. In his initial rant, he expressed his hatred in a religious context--now he says "I teach God's truth". ??? Waat. As I've been saying all along, it is impossible for me to think that his mindset doesn't extend somehow, directly or indirectly, into the classroom--this newest quote proves that. As far as educating him on bigotry, I would think that it is quite beyond that point at this stage of his life. I would HOPE not, but I would think so. Everybody knows someone, if not many, in his age group who feel the exact same way as he does (and as cincy, I think, said, so does most of the US re: law). And someone mentioned gay friends and what they think about it... I have several gay friends, one of whom is a psychologist and another who is a career counselor...they both agree that this man is in the wrong profession (mainly because he thought it acceptable to say what he did on facebook) and that it is sad that he has this opinion (much less voiced it in the way he did), and that they had to deal with people who felt this way all of their lives in school and it made their life hell.
    Well said, EmBleve.


    The guy implies he would work as if he were Jesus. If Jesus knocked over the money tables of people who where greedy, how much more would he be pissed at people who are bigoted and hateful?!
    "Pretty cookies, heart squares all around, yeah!"
    -Eddie Vedder, "Smile"

    "Try to not spook the horse."
    -Neil Young













  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    plenty pissed at the hypocrisy ...

    but that is human right? Everyone is a hypocrite ...
    they call others out but can't see what they do themselves.

    I picture Jesus understanding everyone, even haters

    and being incredibly disappointed in everyone too but loving them just the same

    with the hate, with the hypocrisy, with the better than others attitudes

    because he knows it is with love and understanding that people change, heal and
    become more like Him....

    that is if they want to.
  • pjhawkspjhawks Posts: 12,595
    pandora wrote:
    plenty pissed at the hypocrisy ...

    but that is human right? Everyone is a hypocrite ...
    they call others out but can't see what they do themselves.

    I picture Jesus understanding everyone, even haters

    and being incredibly disappointed in everyone too but loving them just the same

    with the hate, with the hypocrisy, with the better than others attitudes

    because he knows it is with love and understanding that people change, heal and
    become more like Him....

    that is if they want to.

    yup the little man in the sky wants us all to be like him :roll: the hurricane is probably barreling down on the east coast because we have all sinned

    edit: and i agree and believe that understanding and love will cause people to change, i just don't think that comes from a man in the sky.
  • polaris_xpolaris_x Posts: 13,559
    g under p wrote:
    Unfortunately, that is a fact of the real world professionally. Employers DON'T need a reason or have to give you a reson to fire you...I found that out for myself. I worked as a pre-school teacher and I was fired from the job after ten years there. The underlying reason for me being fired I became too popular with the parents to my classroom children and I turned down advances from the school administrator. I didn't mix business with pleasure and she didn't like that so I was fired just like that. We did sign a contract that said we could be fired for any reason and NO reason at all.

    Peace

    this sounds like horrible bosses ... :|
  • cincybearcatcincybearcat Posts: 16,495
    pjhawks wrote:
    pandora wrote:
    plenty pissed at the hypocrisy ...

    but that is human right? Everyone is a hypocrite ...
    they call others out but can't see what they do themselves.

    I picture Jesus understanding everyone, even haters

    and being incredibly disappointed in everyone too but loving them just the same

    with the hate, with the hypocrisy, with the better than others attitudes

    because he knows it is with love and understanding that people change, heal and
    become more like Him....

    that is if they want to.

    yup the little man in the sky wants us all to be like him :roll: the hurricane is probably barreling down on the east coast because we have all sinned

    edit: and i agree and believe that understanding and love will cause people to change, i just don't think that comes from a man in the sky.

    And you felt the need to belittle others that do...nicely done.
    hippiemom = goodness
  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    pjhawks wrote:
    pandora wrote:
    plenty pissed at the hypocrisy ...

    but that is human right? Everyone is a hypocrite ...
    they call others out but can't see what they do themselves.

    I picture Jesus understanding everyone, even haters

    and being incredibly disappointed in everyone too but loving them just the same

    with the hate, with the hypocrisy, with the better than others attitudes

    because he knows it is with love and understanding that people change, heal and
    become more like Him....

    that is if they want to.

    yup the little man in the sky wants us all to be like him :roll: the hurricane is probably barreling down on the east coast because we have all sinned

    edit: and i agree and believe that understanding and love will cause people to change, i just don't think that comes from a man in the sky.
    I believe in Jesus the man you assume something else maybe I don't know

    no matter

    glad you agree with love and understanding :D

    so I know you will be kind to those that believe in the man in the sky
  • redrockredrock Posts: 18,341
    Wow... another thread that has turned into a god/jesus one.....
  • cincybearcatcincybearcat Posts: 16,495
    redrock wrote:
    Wow... another thread that has turned into a god/jesus one.....


    Ummm...this was based on that from the beginning no? At least an element of it.
    hippiemom = goodness
  • redrockredrock Posts: 18,341
    Not really cincy. Yes his homophobic remarks were but the basis of the thread is his suspension, etc. This has turned into a 'jesus loves us all and if we were more like him, the world will be all rosy'. Naturally, before anyone says anything, these were not actual words used but one gets my drift.

    This thread deals with a guy who said nasty things, was reported, was investigated and eventually reinstated. Does the school/district (or any other employer) have a right do to this? Should this guy (or anyone) not be able to say/do what he/she feels in his/her own time without it having any repercussions on his work. That is the topic (at least as I thought it was).
  • cincybearcatcincybearcat Posts: 16,495
    redrock wrote:
    Not really cincy. Yes his homophobic remarks were but the basis of the thread is his suspension, etc. This has turned into a 'jesus loves us all and if we were more like him, the world will be all rosy'. Naturally, before anyone says anything, these were not actual words used but one gets my drift.

    This thread deals with a guy who said nasty things, was reported, was investigated and eventually reinstated. Does the school/district (or any other employer) have a right do to this? Should this guy (or anyone) not be able to say/do what he/she feels in his/her own time without it having any repercussions on his work. That is the topic (at least as I thought it was).


    No I agree, but I also thought there was some element of God involved from the beginning since it's the basis of the teacher's facebook posting.
    hippiemom = goodness
  • redrockredrock Posts: 18,341
    It is ,but in the context of his rant. He could have left the god bit out and it would have been just as offensive. Though one can also argue this thread can deal with his whole attitude to what seems quite fundamentalist views of religion (from his few remarks) and how it seems he does bring that in the classroom in, what I think, is a public school. No problem bringing religion in the discussion as such. But the 'jesus loves us all let's all be more like him' bit is really not relevant in this thread.
  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    How we got to Jesus was the remarks made by the teacher and opinions made by posters
    relating to that
  • redrockredrock Posts: 18,341
    As I said, in the context of his rant and whether his extremist views are appropriate for a public school, religion is a valid discussion point. In a 'preaching' context, it's not. There is a huge difference. We all know what this difference is and where the line is drawn.
  • cincybearcatcincybearcat Posts: 16,495
    redrock wrote:
    As I said, in the context of his rant and whether his extremist views are appropriate for a public school, religion is a valid discussion point. In a 'preaching' context, it's not. There is a huge difference. We all know what this difference is and where the line is drawn.


    You know, the ironic thing, it's further down the path you were complaining about now that you jumped in. ;)
    hippiemom = goodness
  • redrockredrock Posts: 18,341
    redrock wrote:
    As I said, in the context of his rant and whether his extremist views are appropriate for a public school, religion is a valid discussion point. In a 'preaching' context, it's not. There is a huge difference. We all know what this difference is and where the line is drawn.


    You know, the ironic thing, it's further down the path you were complaining about now that you jumped in. ;)
    :?: Not sure what you mean.
  • cincybearcatcincybearcat Posts: 16,495
    redrock wrote:
    redrock wrote:
    As I said, in the context of his rant and whether his extremist views are appropriate for a public school, religion is a valid discussion point. In a 'preaching' context, it's not. There is a huge difference. We all know what this difference is and where the line is drawn.


    You know, the ironic thing, it's further down the path you were complaining about now that you jumped in. ;)
    :?: Not sure what you mean.

    I just found it funny that you post about derailing the thread into a God argument has now derailed the entire thread. No big deal, just humorous.
    hippiemom = goodness
  • brianluxbrianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 42,435
    I'm sorry I said anything about Jesus. Next time I'll use Man in the Moon and maybe we'll keep the discusion on track. 8-)
    "Pretty cookies, heart squares all around, yeah!"
    -Eddie Vedder, "Smile"

    "Try to not spook the horse."
    -Neil Young













  • redrockredrock Posts: 18,341
    redrock wrote:
    You know, the ironic thing, it's further down the path you were complaining about now that you jumped in. ;)
    :?: Not sure what you mean.

    I just found it funny that you post about derailing the thread into a God argument has now derailed the entire thread. No big deal, just humorous.

    I don't think it was derailing... just a remark and eventually bringing it back to the discussion on hand and the 'appropriate' religious argument? As I did concede that there could be a element of religion but the 'right kind' of element and in context (following your post!)! :mrgreen:
  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    brianlux wrote:
    I'm sorry I said anything about Jesus. Next time I'll use Man in the Moon and maybe we'll keep the discusion on track. 8-)
    You made a great comment as all your posts are

    you of all people don't need to apologize ... ever
  • EmBleveEmBleve Posts: 3,019
    brianlux wrote:
    I'm sorry I said anything about Jesus. Next time I'll use Man in the Moon and maybe we'll keep the discusion on track. 8-)
    I don't think it was your comment, but, eh, what do I know? :? And besides, he's going to teach it as though they hired Jesus Christ. So, it's whatever. Moving on.. ;) ..(I do also have to say that I agree with redrock re: the 'preaching' slant--I get it).
  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    preaching can be a wonderful thing when you open your heart to the words

    I don't go to church but have listened to some wonderful preachers

    they can grab your heart and give you hope

    rile you up and set you down gently... it's an art really

    I love it but then I love words all tangled up and beautiful :D
  • brianluxbrianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 42,435
    pandora wrote:
    preaching can be a wonderful thing when you open your heart to the words

    I don't go to church but have listened to some wonderful preachers

    they can grab your heart and give you hope

    rile you up and set you down gently... it's an art really

    I love it but then I love words all tangled up and beautiful :D
    I've rarely had that experience, Pandora, but I sort of know what you mean...like this:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZArY5MbzsdU
    "Pretty cookies, heart squares all around, yeah!"
    -Eddie Vedder, "Smile"

    "Try to not spook the horse."
    -Neil Young













  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    brianlux wrote:
    pandora wrote:
    preaching can be a wonderful thing when you open your heart to the words

    I don't go to church but have listened to some wonderful preachers

    they can grab your heart and give you hope

    rile you up and set you down gently... it's an art really

    I love it but then I love words all tangled up and beautiful :D
    I've rarely had that experience, Pandora, but I sort of know what you mean...like this:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZArY5MbzsdU
    Wow that was awesome and a hero too, David Byrne
    I've never seen that before ... we need you over in rate a song thread
    I bookmarked :D

    love the very ending very cool...thanks :D
  • brianluxbrianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 42,435
    pandora wrote:
    Wow that was awesome and a hero too, David Byrne
    I've never seen that before ... we need you over in rate a song thread
    I bookmarked :D

    love the very ending very cool...thanks :D

    Glad you liked it! Of course you know, Pandora, we're gonna get busted for throwing this thread off track! :mrgreen:
    "Pretty cookies, heart squares all around, yeah!"
    -Eddie Vedder, "Smile"

    "Try to not spook the horse."
    -Neil Young













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