DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Everything Else... Carolina teacher resigns after backlash from proactively teaching acceptance.

did he condemn the kids to hell?

oh wait that was the parents right? yes, psycho's. that's the truth, if you don't like it, tough luck.

Thank you Jack for saying what I've been thinking but unable to communicate.

My kids go to school in NC... they didn't take sex ed (health) or the DARE drug program until they were 10/11.. Evidently that is when the state determined they were old enough to understand it... but we're reading a book on gay marriage at 8? There are plenty of ways to teach kids about tolerance and understanding of those who look and act differently than you without invoking this book.

by that same logic, why do you take kids to church?

There didn't even need to be purple as that was clear sarcasm. I can't even imagine people questioning that one, but so many people here have a really hard time detecting even the most obvious sarcasm.

This teacher used poor judgement and some people acted poorly in response to the situation. I don't see much to argue over here.

Or satire?

I agree Jules, but was clarifying for Jack who is newer and may not know Clems demeanor or posting style to have known that was his sarcasm.

I know when I read it I could think of a few posters who WOULD have written that as their true opinion.

Well, that is true.

Reach. Other than militant athiests, and I'm no so sure even them, no one has a problem with that quote.

Why? Romance is a pretty big thing in novels and there is no reason to take it out. Art gets dry without love.

I don't think this is possible at all. Everything and anything can be a lesson on morals.

It's a reach that if a teacher in a public school pulled out a Bible and read ANYTHING from it that there wouldn't be a serious uproar and calls for resignation? Okie dokie..

One parent.. in a room of about 200... Would you feel better if I referred to that one parent as a thug?

Getting some good opinions here.

When I started the thread originally I wasn't necessarily trying to take a shot at any specific religious group. I'm aware that the action of some "Christians" doesn't reflect the views of all Christians. To me, it was really disgusting how some of the parents chose to react to the teacher. I don't really see the harm in reading a picture book to a class of third graders in an attempt to get the idea of tolerance across, but I haven't read the book nor do I have children (yet) so I can understand the POV from other posters.

Kids are taught from an early age at home AND reinforced at school to be tollerant and respectful of other races and the opposite gender, I just kind of figure that in today's society sexual orientation tolerance would be a no brainer.

to learn about God/Jesus... but you are going to have to elaborate on how that relates to what I said...

That verse is extremely safe. I don't think anyone would have a problem with it. Now they wouldn't be OK with Revelations, but the verse you mentioned is perfectly OK.

In spite of our atheism we took our kids to a church we liked so they'd learn to associate with a different group, hear valuable lessons and meet people they'd be friends with for a long time.

We met they're piano teacher at that church and they're still good friends.

I've always said I'm more OK with religions than I am with agreeing to believe in God. I think there are many, many people who benefit our society because of what they've experienced with their congregations.

I'm not really very patient with those who don't respect my beliefs though.

It doesn't matter one iota which verse was read. The very second a teacher in a public school pulled out a Bible in front of a class and opened it, sirens would go off at the ACLU and People for the American Way headquarters and predrafted lawsuit papers would be in the mail.

Are you referring to religion in school?

While I'm perfectly okay with a student wanting to pray or read their Bible (or any religious book) at recess, at lunch, or during a free time/study period, I do not think religion should be taught by teachers. Church is for religion, or even home if that's what you wanna do. School is for educating kids on things that will help them land jobs and advance their education/careers later on.

Just my own opinion on that.

NRTU CHS, JC...


I think we must also realize, that not everyone that says "You're going to burn in hell" is necessarily a practicing Christian. They may call themselves that, or they may not even identify as a Christian.

Oh I understand that. But I try to put it into context.

You have a handful, or a portion of Christians who behave badly. To me they're as wrong as can be. They have no right behaving as they do. In the grand scheme of things, they make all other Christians look bad.

Now think back about the riots at Ferguson. The majority of people were there to peacefully demonstrate. They were not there to riot, loot or set fires. Yet the actions of those that did wrong, drowned out those with the right intentions of others.

I would no more lump all Christians in with the right wing nut jobs, than I would lump those who were in Ferguson for the right reasons, in with those that were there for the wrong reasons.

But that's just how I roll.

Good call.

There's a gigantic difference from teaching the bible and teaching out of the bible. Honestly I wouldn't be opposed to teaching out of religious works.

That's usually the case.

A second article was posted right after mine outlining all the support this teacher received as well.

You can teach whatever you want, DC. Religious texts aren't off limits. Our curriculum features a poem focusing on the fall of creation in Genesis. We look at it through a poetic and literary lens.

You could use books of any religious text. Just clear it with your superiors, maybe send a permission slip home just to cover yourself, and remain respectful of belief systems while teaching it. Don't show an inherent bias with any of the texts.

I will take your word for it that you are being sincere but you should take my word for it that a lot of people wouldn't see it that way.

Just like the group at this community meeting, according to the article 75% of the 200 stood and cheered for the guy, most of the other 25% just thought it was inappropriate for that age and then a select few had really nasty things to say.

If somebody read from the Bible, regardless of intent, you might get a similar breakdown.. 75% would think that was great, most of the other 25% would find it somewhat inappropriate for a public school.. then a few others would start screaming about the separation clause and filing lawsuits.

That last part is something I like. Keeping an open mind while teaching it.

There are 13 major documented religions in the world meaning Christianity isn't the only one. You can teach it while also respecting the beliefs and opinions of others who might follow a different religion.

People like in the original article, who cast judgement and stones at others who think differently from them drive me nuts!

This teacher is a moron. This book has been an issue for a couple years now, and many parents don't want their kids indoctrinated/educated (take your pick) in this way. This 'incident' should have been reported to officials at the school and then to the parents. I'm sure they could have handled this issue better.

To top things off, I've heard the word 'gay' used for several different meanings lately, one of those being 'lame', as in, "Dude, that's so gay(lame)".

Exactly, follow the correct path of discipline just as if the kid had dropped any other bad word or done any other form of bullying... I've been in the vice principals office before with my son for that meeting.. it's not fun.

Yep... I was lazy and rushed... and din't want to take the extra steps to change font color.

Just dropped a joke in the conversation.

If I need to outline my true beliefs about this subject:

1. It was a dumb way to handle an insular case of bullying.
2. It was the wrong forum in which to tell kids about tolerance and acceptance
3. The age group was (borderline) too young for the subject matter
4. Blowback should have been expected.

And Jack: "The Satire Guy?" Not usually. Folks who've been here awhile will attest to that. 'Snark'- even diffuse- is not my usual MO.

I'm 'the verbose one.'

Where you been? Remember all those commercials years ago?

I'm really only drawing a stick in the line here, because I don't think that Christianity is under attack like you think it is.

Which is what makes your snark and satire so great when you deliver it.. it's unexpected.

"Always leave'm wanting more- not less..."

Because they are HIS kids and that is his choice. A teacher in a public school should not be teaching moral issues such as acceptance of homosexuality, the same as a teacher in a public school should not be teaching religion.

The teacher should have reprimanded the kid for calling someone gay, and that should have been it.

why shouldn't they? I learned a lot of moral lessons from school teachers as well as home.

you realize we still got parents teaching HATE at home. so the teachers shouldn't be teaching tolerance?

man you guys are mind blowing sometimes.

So you would be ok if they taught your child religion at their school? Or do you feel as a parent that is your place?

Again, I have no problem with the message itself. I happen to agree, still dont think that is a teachers place.

we already discussed this, i wouldn't have a problem as long as they weren't teaching it in place of something, like science. we need to have everything taught so people can choose from themselves.



i have no problems with theology class. also, my daughters are still going to church on sunday on their own accord.

being taught what's in the bible, and being told you're gonna burn in hell are two vastly different things.

i'm not cool with teaching that it's ok to discriminate, from parents or teachers. and i'm ok with morals being taught in school, as far as equality, because teachers have leave impressions on kids all the time. for a lot of kids, the teachers ARE their role models.

As a Christian, this is how I try to live. But you don't need to read such books to children to teach them that. The line is being blurred regarding the difference between respecting a person and accepting their lifestyle. Two entirely different things

We can love the person without accepting the lifestyle. And we don't need our children being read this kind of stuff to try to influence them to accept this or that lifestyle either. Just teach them to treat people with dignity and respect while being true to what they believe

And race/gender vs lifestyles/what a person does are apples and oranges.

Exactly.

What if a third grader is making racist jokes at another black or Asian student, while also making sexist sandwich jokes to another female student (maybe he heard them from an older sibling or on television). Teachers reinforce treating opposite races and sexes with respect and equality, how is homosexuality any different?

I don't want to stir the pot, or argue with your beliefs, I just wonder what your opinion on where you draw the line is?