ViSHa

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 4:45 p.m.

I wish the AA BOE would take note of how seriously the Howell BOE takes situations of violating students rights. And the Howell BOE is probably not worried about a media frenzy as we have all seen how things of that nature just blow over.

mike from saline

Mon, Nov 22, 2010 : 6:31 p.m.

Matt, I guess I didn't make my point very well. I agree with you. I probably should have used the word "intolerance". In that case, the teacher was giving a clinic. If you read my other comments on this thread, you'd see that, I'm all in for the students. I want to see a law suit. I'm almost fanatical about "free speech."

Matt Cooper

Mon, Nov 22, 2010 : 10:03 a.m.

@mike from saline: "Note to Matt, and Bill. They don't call it the bully pulpit for nothing! Mr. McDowell was only trying to teach those students a lesson in tolerance. And, in a bizzare twist, he succeded!" No, friend. He wasn't trying to teach tolerance. He was trying to force his views on these children whether they liked it or not. And he did so in a time, a place and in a manner which was totally innappropriate for the class room. He is an economics teacher, not a gay rights teacher, nor a history teacher, nor a tolerance teacher, nor a sex ed. teacher. Nor is he the morality police, nor the thought police, not even the 'politically correct' police. I am glad the Howell school board took a positive stance against McDowell and his classroom grandstanding. I am glad they refused to be cowed and/or swayed by his use of his union presidency to threaten the school board with a 'media frenzy'. I applaud the school board for not allowing McDowells lies, mischaracterizations and misrepresentations of fact to slide. I applaud them for standing up for the rights of expression of the students that were kicked out of McDowells class for having the unmitigated gall to disagree with him in any way shape or form. This is not a teacher. This is a bully. He bullied the students he kicked out of class, then he tried to bully the school board. All in the name of "tolerance". When push came to shove, I am glad the Board pushed right back. They "tolerated" him enough to let him keep his job.

mike from saline

Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 9:55 p.m.

Note to Matt, and Bill. They don't call it the bully pulpit for nothing! Mr. McDowell was only trying to teach those students a lesson in tolerance. And, in a bizzare twist, he succeded!

Matt Cooper

Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 5:45 p.m.

@bornblu: "This brings me to my point of concern; this teacher lost an unbelievable moment in time where he could have been proactive in providing an enviornement of discussion and learning regarding what is an extemely sensitive topic." Sorry, but this teacher should have never opened this can of worms in the first place. It is not his job to use class time to have discussions about sexuality, gayness, racism or anything long those lines. Nor is it his job to force his own personal moral code on the students to which he is supposed to be teaching economics. What it was that day that set this teacher off and made him unilaterally decide that he was king for a day and that the class would discuss what he wanted to discuss, when and where he wanted to discuss it, and without a shred of dissent (lest he level whatever punitive punishments he felt necessary), I do not know. What I do know is that he was way out of line during and after the events of that fatreful day. Secondly, for him to turn around and use his position as union president to threaten and try to coerce the board of education to reverse his suspension is downright shameful, and he should be very ashamed of himself for sinking that low. he was wrong across the board and he's lucky to still have a job.

Bill Wilson

Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 10:48 a.m.

@ Bill, let's suppose you're right about "preference." So what? You can't tell me I'm less of a person than you because I "choose" a homosexual life. What's your rationale? How do you justify your judging me wrong or inferior to you? What's your moral authority? Think about it for a long time and then, give me your answer, please. Note: Interesting that Tony Dearing allows an attack (and a false one, at that) and name-calling to a conservative but responding politely is deemed to be name-calling. Roger, I never made an anti-gay statement, judged you (or any other homosexual) or said you were "less of a person." What I said was that civil rights inhere in individuals, and that theese rights are the same for everyone. Sorry Roger, but I don't see where you qualify as a victim in any sense. Perhaps you should explore why it is that you feel the need to paint yourself in to situations where others are clearly victimized, like the young man who was removed for offereing his opinion. Let's be truthful, what really angers you, and others here, is that those in Howell stood up for the young man who was brave enough to stand up to his teacher.

mike from saline

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 9:31 a.m.

I hope this can be settled in a courtroom. If I were a parent of either student, We'd be bringing a law suit against the School Board, The teacher, and the Teachers union. We'd be asking for a pile of money, Attorney's fee's, the teacher be fired [one day suspension without pay for violating a students 1st amendment rights regarding speech and religion is a joke!], and require all teachers, principles, and counselors complete a 1st Amendment sensitivity course, designed under the guidence of the Court, and paid for by the School District. That would get everyones attention! I prob- ably wouldn't get everything I wanted........But I'd get enough!

bornblu

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 9:06 a.m.

I am straight, older and have no gays (that I am aware of) in my immediate family unit. I was brought up in the 50's not comprehending what to be gay was, and taught that it was inherently evil and immoral; not to be accepted or tolerated. It was an issue that never was broached with my children as questions were never raised. I am just thankful that the response to my position, during a training exercise at work, did not elicit a response similar to that of the teacher in Howell. Subsequent to this training exercise, I have been fortunate to find some great friends who are gay and were willing to politely discuss with me my concerns, misunderstandings, lack of knowledge, etc. (without labeling me). While I don't have the knowledge to determine whether sexual orientation is a choice, preferance, genetic trait, none of that makes a difference to me. While I can't argue the constitutional aspects of rights vs. choice, I firmly believe that all people should be treated with respect, dignity, and allowed to live their lives within what our laws allow (I would also support looking at changing laws we currently have as to how they relate to treating individuals differently). This brings me to my point of concern; this teacher lost an unbelievable moment in time where he could have been proactive in providing an enviornement of discussion and learning regarding what is an extemely sensitive topic. His reactions were more of what I would have expected of and individual unwilling to engage in any meaningful dialogue than that of a teacher who should use times such as these to facilitate discussions. A short supension (with some training) is appropriate, and I would hope the school district will use this event to bring a positive program to its system.

MI-expatriate

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:39 a.m.

Moderators? Not seeing my comment here. I think I was politically correct - please advise if not. I did use the name, "Jesus" but it was in reverance, not sarcasm, quite seriously.

dfossil

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 12:35 a.m.

I am fascinated by ALL the Bullies here! The teacher "bullied" the Student on his speech, The School Board "Bullied" the teacher by their actions which has a chilling effect over all, Parents and the press are 'Bullying" the School Board for their actions, and half the commentators on this site are trying to Bully other commentators!! Boy, we set this kind of example and then are surprised our kids do it over the internet and other kids kill themselves in distress. Great job everyone.

Roger Roth

Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 12:48 p.m.

@ Bill, let's suppose you're right about "preference." So what? You can't tell me I'm less of a person than you because I "choose" a homosexual life. What's your rationale? How do you justify your judging me wrong or inferior to you? What's your moral authority? Think about it for a long time and then, give me your answer, please. This is where anti-gay reasoning is severely flawed. Anti-gays have no support, in fact no rationale for their anti-gay attitudes and beliefs. I'll check back for your answer. If you don't have one, do whatever research you like and come back with whatever you find. I'm eager to hear it.

Roger Roth

Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 10:34 a.m.

Re: your headline, "teacher ignites controversy..." The last thing we want is for a teacher to "ignite a controversy." Doing so might inflict instability onto the status quo, and goodness knows we can't have that! People adore the status quo. Electing an AA POTUS, to them was a red flag. Then there are the Hispanics and now the gays. You don't think that there's anything to what Jesus said about "the meek inheriting the Earth, do you? OMG! My world is crumbling!! It's a new world, folks, and I'm loving every little controversy. There are vast strides being made in colonizing Mars!

robyn

Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 10:29 a.m.

@ Bill: The problem is - this kind of subject can really become volatile, people tend to have such strong (and emotional) beliefs and opinions about certain subjects. I understand that, but even for those who try to look at things from a neutral perspective - there is a tendancy by some to accuse and infer that other posters are hate filled bigots. Unfortunately - it has gone even farther with this article - people are calling the kid who was ousted from class terrible names - based upon nothing but what other posters have said and a lack of REAL information about the event. I also realize that annarbor.com tries to moderate and they remove posts that they regard as 'personal attacks'. However - being called a racist or bigot is also a personal attack. And it is an attack of the worst kind. It is something that can not be defended against. If you try to deny it - that as seen as being too defensive which is used as even more proof of your apparent racism/bigotry. How can one prove they are not a racist or a bigot? You can't. No matter what you say - it's never 'proof' enough and you are forever publically labelled a racist or bigot! Terms like that should not be allowed and they should not be bandied about to be used whenever someone disagrees with another's views. That this subject and this event has turned into a whole new 'story' with an entirely different cause of discussion is due to the fact that the facts that are most important to the story itself have not been presented in a way that allows the read the ability to discuss what the real subject is. They have allowed the readers to jump on a PERCEIVED slight toward gays when that never actually took place. At one time news organizations, (not opinion pages or shows) but NEWS, tried to present stories without taking sides. They presented the facts and allowed readers/viewers to come to their own conclusions based upon the facts presented. Not presenting the facts fully or presenting a story in such a way that sway the reader's opinion is not reporting the news, it is representing the writer's views and encouraging the readers to share that view. Very irresponsible.

Bill Wilson

Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 9:52 a.m.

I'd like to know where annarbor.com is when THIS victim is blamed. Or is it okay to blame some victims and not others? annarbor.com has allowed comments that support the teacher and call for punishment of students (ie- we used to make our own paddles for teachers to spank us with) to continue on in two or three different articles about this subject. Not only that - they have avoided updating their article with important information regarding the actual exchange that took place in that classroom. Information that would have an impact upon both the opinions of the readers and the course of discussion regarding the incident. Robyn, A2 will go even further than that... they'll create stories of discrimination. One of their writers had a story about racism against blacks removed recently when it was proven that he'd made it up. It took me two weeks of complaints to get them to remove it. Don't look for an apology.

robyn

Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 9:09 a.m.

@ libertyforall: I was referring to a previous comment that included the statement: "We need to get back to the days of when kids were taught how to make paddles in wood shop for use on them later when they steped out of line." In no way do I condone this type of action, but I assume it was suggested as a means to punish a kid for having an opinion in the classroom - if the teacher doesn't agree with that opinion.

libertyforall

Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 8:53 a.m.

So you would suggest assaulting students if they don't listen to the liberal tripe of their teachers. Hitting a person is a felony. I'm proud of these kids. Few have the guts to stand up.

robyn

Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 8:51 a.m.

I'm not sure why my comment was deleted. I posted the link to the file of student's statements (which is available to the public and the names of the kids involved have been blacked out). That link is: http://www.livingstondaily.com/assets/pdf/C61669491118.PDF It's attached to an UPDATED article. My post included the comment that there was NO attack on gays in that classroom - to the contrary the attack was on a student for voicing his beliefs based upon his religion. This, combined with an accusation of racism. Apparently no one wants to defend the real victims here. Everyone one is so quick to assume someone said something horrible or hateful about gays simply because the issue is involved. According to the news, the board and statements by some of the students - the TEACHER asked the student if he 'accepted' gays. The teacher did not like the student's response and went on a tangent. So everyone here - and this 14 year old on the news is spending all this time defending gays when there was no attack on them. And the kid who was actually wronged - is now the villian. I'd like to know where annarbor.com is when THIS victim is blamed. Or is it okay to blame some victims and not others? annarbor.com has allowed comments that support the teacher and call for punishment of students (ie- we used to make our own paddles for teachers to spank us with) to continue on in two or three different articles about this subject. Not only that - they have avoided updating their article with important information regarding the actual exchange that took place in that classroom. Information that would have an impact upon both the opinions of the readers and the course of discussion regarding the incident. I think annarbor.com owes it's readers and apology.

scoobysnacks

Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 7:55 a.m.

When someone chooses to live a homosexual lifestyle, they expect/demand everyone to accept their lifestyle. Most people dont accept it. That doesnt mean they hate them, they simply feel its wrong, which it is.

greymom

Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 7:16 a.m.

Reading all these comments I can see why kids act the way they do- adults can't even get along!!! I wish ALL people could just treat each other with kindness and respect and show some understanding. I was not present when this went down so who am I to judge! The teacher was suspended, now lets get back to teaching!!!! Bill Wilson- I see your comments and it is clear, you don't feel all people should be treated the same- SAD! A teacher and any person should never lose their job over one comment, have you never said something you wished you could take back? Get real- no one is perfect!!!

Cameron

Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 12:04 a.m.

@ Bill Wilson: Your statement goes too far. Fired? I think that you might have some personal opinions on the subject of gay rights. Maybe Takei should have a clock for you as well? This has very little to do with the defense of faith, and more with the prevalence of bigotry. It would not be okay if this kid said that they hated woman, so why should it be fine with LGBT people?

Cameron

Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 12:02 a.m.

@ Bill Wilson: Your statement goes too far. Fired? I think that you might have some personal opinions on the subject of gay rights. Maybe Takei should have a clock for you as well? This has very little to do with the defense of faith, and more with the prevalence of bigotry. It would not be okay if this kid said that they hated woman, so why should it be fine with LGBT people?

Bill Wilson

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 10:06 p.m.

Lola, No, the word I chose is correct: preference. While I do believe many are biologically "wired," in that manner, so to speak, not all are. Case in point, my step-daughter, who chose the lifestyle primarily because, up until her teenage years, she was let down by every man in her life, and began hating all men as a result. I'd explain further, but I don't want to bring down the wrath of the moderators.

Lola

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 9:11 p.m.

Bill, the word preference implies choice. The word you are looking for is orientation. The term sexual preference is offensive.

Tom Whitaker

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 8:46 p.m.

@Bill Wilson: So when was it that you decided you would PREFER to be straight (presuming you are), and started BEHAVING accordingly?

Bill Wilson

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 8:39 p.m.

To be clear, do you think sexual orientation is a matter of individual preference? A choice to be made by each individual? Tom, I think you're unclear on this. Civil rights inhere in individuals, and these rights are the same for everyone, regardless of their individual preferences. Now, as to your question: Homosexuality is a type of sexual preference that manifests itself in a behavior.

Tom Whitaker

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 8:06 p.m.

@Bill Wilson: To be clear, do you think sexual orientation is a matter of individual preference? A choice to be made by each individual?

Bill Wilson

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 7:23 p.m.

I don't really have a comment on what happened in the classroom that day or what has happened since. In reading the comments though, I'm struck by the position, taken by several, that the matter of equal protection under the law for gays is simply a matter that is subject to personal beliefs or opinions. Tom, What in gawds name are you talking about? Gays are not a race. They do not have civil rights as "gays." Citizens have civil rights. If that citizen happens to have the sexual preference of homosexuality, or the religious faith of Catholic, that's their right. But their preferences are apples to oranges as to their civil rights.

Lola

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 5:39 p.m.

Why is it that the least educated people seem to be the most xenophobic? Just something to think about.

ChelseaGirl

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 5:23 p.m.

@ Terrin ~ Thank you.

Tom Whitaker

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 5:22 p.m.

I don't really have a comment on what happened in the classroom that day or what has happened since. In reading the comments though, I'm struck by the position, taken by several, that the matter of equal protection under the law for gays is simply a matter that is subject to personal beliefs or opinions. Certainly we all have the right to believe what we choose and to communicate those beliefs, however offensive they may be. However, I think ALL citizens of this country are entitled to equal rights under the law and that cannot simply be a matter of opinion to be bantered about as if we were discussing the motorcycle helmet law or the smoking ban. Looking back in history, these kinds of discussions also took place in regard to the rights of American Indians, African-Americans and even women. Today, when reading the speeches, letters, books and articles written by those who supported the oppression of those groups, how foolish and ignorant they seem! The same foolishness and ignorance is now being displayed nationwide against gays--perpetuated by groups seeking political advantages by inciting fear and hatred. It pains me to know that my gay friends are still subject to the same discrimination and bigotry that affected those other groups in the past. Make no mistake, no one can claim victory over the dark forces of racism and sexism, but at least they are no longer sanctioned by law. In most circles, those who promote such backward thinking are loudly protested and shamed. Sadly, the same can't be said for the open dicrimination and bigotry expressed against gays, which is not only still sanctified by law in most places, but actively encouraged by religious and political "leaders." I pray that some day we'll be able look back on this period in our history in the same way we look back at the Civil Rights movement or the Suffragette movement--with shame on those who stood in the way or stood idly by, and with pride for those who stood up and made a difference.

trs80

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 5:16 p.m.

The Livingstion Daily story has more details. "When students asked McDowell, what about free speech? McDowell allegedly replied, not in my classroom, according to the statements." "The district determined McDowell himself created an atmosphere where homosexuality would be discussed by wearing a shirt meant to highlight a gay students suicide. The district also determined McDowell created a disturbance by instructing a student to remove a belt buckle, thereby denying the student her First Amendment rights." Enough said.

Sam

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 4:43 p.m.

It is okay to have an opinion, only so long as it is the "left" opinion.

Terrin

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 4:39 p.m.

scoobysnacks: Discriminating against somebody based on religion alone is not racism.

Terrin

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 4:36 p.m.

Taxpayer: Well said.

Terrin

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 4:33 p.m.

Chelsea: I am with Chelsea. When I went to school children respected the authorities. Otherwise, you met the paddle with the holes drilled on it. Say what you will, but there were far less problems in schools then then there is now. Further, parents used to generally give the teachers the benefit of the doubt. Now automatically the teacher is the guilty part.

Mick52

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 4:03 p.m.

Yup, a teacher should have authority in the classroom but to apply it one must be right, not wrong as in this incident. From everything I have read about what happened, the teacher blew it. Not sure why this 14 yr old is still in the mix here. Does anyone know if he attends Howell schools? An early news report stated he was from Ann Arbor. If I were his parents, I would sit him down. The issue here is not gay rights it is when is it allowable to limit free speech and if he keeps talking he will be labeled as a proponent to limit our rights to express ourselves freely. Please excuse me if Howell has become a territory of Russia, Iran, or communist China. I thought it was still part of the U.S.

bedrog

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 3:47 p.m.

xmo: a redo of "inherit the wind' ( a great film/message by the way), in an era of blowhards and ill-informed from all political spectra, could be called "inherit the gas". 'beano' could be sold at the theater kiosks.

xmo

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 3:36 p.m.

High School seem to be soooo much more a political forum than and academic forum now a days. Maybe they need to redo the play/movie Inherit the Wind.

ChelseaGirl

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 3:30 p.m.

@TaxPayer~kudo's! I agree

Top Cat

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 3:11 p.m.

Just one more reason why parents need to be empowered to have options to government run, aka public, schools.

scoobysnacks

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 2:55 p.m.

The only one who acted as a racist and a bully, since this story aired, was the teacher. disciplined a student for his religious beliefs which were different than his own. this IS racism and the teacher should be fired! we now find out he cant control himself in the classroom...slamming doors and yelling?? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? THIS IS RIDICULOUS!! do you want him being a role model for your child(ren)? i sure dont! he has since filed a complaint against the school district according to the detroit free press.

robyn

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 2:32 p.m.

Thanks for the info Bunnyabbot, that's really a 'game changer'...

bunnyabbot

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 2:16 p.m.

ok, I saw the kid on tv last night that was kiched out. Included in the story there was mention of the reported statements by the other students in the class at the time who were interviewed by the principle about what transpired during and after the teacher kicked the kid out of class. Apparently the teacher made comments regarding Catholism (the kid shouldn't be in public school but Catholic) and how the student should be punished Sounds like the teacher kinda threw a hissy fit. Which in the end is cause for suspension.

dale

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 2:06 p.m.

i hope the students sue the school and the teacher cause you cant teach tollerence (only as long as you agree with the minority)what happened to being able to have your own beleifs why is it when it comes to gay if your against it your wrong. gay is wrong in more ways then religion but were not allowed to say that are we. America the beautiful has become america el-stupido.

Topher

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 1:51 p.m.

As a teacher I feel like I need a little more information about how exactly the teacher went about reprimanding the students. I'm confused - is race involved or are people using the term racist to refer to being anti-gay? Also - is Howell a school district that supports gay students/teachers? (Their website does not include sexual orientation in their anti-discrimination statement) If the school is one that believes in protecting gay students and staff, then it should do so. If it does not, then it should be clear on that as well. It is correct that each person is entitled to an opinion and free speech, but the school district needs to consider where it stands on this issue. What would happen if a student voiced an opinion that he/she did not accept Muslims, or Jews, or bi-racial students? Can a teacher reprimand students for this, or is the role of the teacher to be a mediator without imposing judgment?

t.roman19

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 1:39 p.m.

What ever happened to "if you do not have anything nice to say do not say anything at all?" I understand freedom of speech and every student deserves that right. But I do believe that the student that made the comment against gay people should have made up their own day. If they feel that strongly they should be able to stand up and say so. However in school I believe that it should be one issue per day. If you do not like the issue (purple shirts) just do not wear one. If you want to wear a belt buckle do it on a seperate day. I do not think anyone should spew meaness in school. I tell my own kids that we do not talk bad about other peoples views. That may not be your own choice and that is ok, but lets stop bad mouthing other folks!!

TaxPayer

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 1:29 p.m.

I haven't read any comments on the variety of articles this topic has generated addressing the issue of a teacher maintaining authority over children in his own classroom. I went back and re-read the articles. The discussions seem to be about free speech and gay rights. The bigger issue is a teacher deserves and demands respect and should have full authority to remove a student in his or her classroom. PERIOD. The school board should back this teacher up instead of throwing him under the bus. The messege this sends to a classroom is that the teacher has no authority, why would these children return to this classroom and behave now? The generation of people about to enter our workforce is filled with young adults who have no respect for authority--because of actions such as these. Whether I agree with the teacher or not is irrelevant....his authority is compromised and I hope as he struggles to return to the classroom the school district will offer him some support.

robyn

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 1:19 p.m.

correction: I could NOT allow my child to do this...

robyn

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 1:17 p.m.

I have to wonder about this young man who has stood up and is now plastered all over the media. He is only 14 years old. While well spoken and seemingly wise beyond his young years, I worry about him becoming too much of a 'focal' point in this debate/issue. It doesn't matter which side you're on, you will become a target. There are enough wigged out fanatics on BOTH sides of the spectrum. You have weirdos that will kill a doctor in church because of a difference in ideology, yesterday a crazy guy shot his TV over political ideology - over a stupid dancing show. This young man is becoming a focus point that could potentially ignite some twisted thought pattern in some whacko to do something really bad. Maybe I'm just an over protective parent - but I could let my child put themself out there like that. Not at that age, not at that risk. This kid has the real potential to become a great advocate for himself and all those that he speaks for, I worry that he will become of victim becuase of that potential.

robyn

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 1:01 p.m.

On one hand it is important to protect the right of gay/pro-gay/people who support the rights of gays to speak and/or express their views. On theother hand - it is just as important to allow others who have opposing views due to religious or other reasons to voice or express their views. NEITHER side called for violence or hate or demanded that everyone conform to a single view that would determine one side as right and the other as wrong. The teacher acted as the judge of which side of the issue was right and which side was wrong. I don't think he did so intentionally or with malice toward the student that had opposing views about gays. I would have to believe that being in that situation, with one's own ideals and beliefs - it would be difficult to determine a course of action on the spot. We can't elevate the rights of some to speak and express their views if we deny others the right to speak and express their views just because the views are opposing. We can't determine who has the right voice to a belief or opinion based upon own own beliefs and opinions, no matter which side we agree or disagree with.

lumberg48108

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 1 p.m.

when people wonder if there is a liberal bias in mainstream media - look no further than this story.. teacher instigates controversial topic and kicks out students who do not agree with him - a student stands up for him and he is treated as a hero on national TV and the school board has to defend its decision to discipline the teacher? FOX News - yad a yada yada... This is textbook agenda driven left wing media....

ChelseaGirl

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 12:45 p.m.

@Bill, I didnt speak for you~I said "I get so tired"

dotdash

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 12:43 p.m.

It seems a more complicated story than can be judged from one newspaper article, but I think it's worth remembering that being "against" a group of people (the student left the the room when told to leave the room if he was "against gays") is ugly in a way that being in support of a group of people is not. So the two positions are not equivalent.

Bill Wilson

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 12:41 p.m.

Chelsea, Feel free to check your civil rights at the door if you please... but don't presume to speak for mine.

ChelseaGirl

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 12:37 p.m.

I get so tired of all of this. So the teacher is being acused of bullying?? He's an authority figure, he should be able to repremand students. We need to get back to the days of when kids were taught how to make paddles in wood shop for use on them later when they steped out of line. Im not for abuse, but we need to quit worrying about everyone's "feelings" and children need to respect adults rather than think they are equal to them.

walker101

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 12:33 p.m.

How come they don't mention the fact that McDowell wore a purple t-shirt to school in solidarity for the recent suicides. He (student) argued that that was no different from students wearing rainbow insignia in support of gay rights. So I guess the teacher can express his opinions but don't try to express yours, he needs to be terminated for violating the students rights, even the ACLU sides with the student, go figure.

Bill Wilson

Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 12:18 p.m.

And do, they should. The student forced into defending his faith clearly had his civil rights violated. The teacher should have been fired.