Americans United for Separation of Church and State:

The U.S. Supreme Court this morning [Oct. 6] declined to hear the appeal of a former Ohio public school science teacher who was fired for introducing creationism into his classes.
 
The high court’s decision not to hear the Freshwater v. Mount Vernon City School District Board of Education case brings the matter to a close. Last year, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that Mt. Vernon City School District had the right to fire eighth-grade science teacher John Freshwater because the First Amendment does not permit him to ignore orders from his bosses or display whatever religious items he pleases in his classroom.
“This case should serve as a reminder to public school teachers and administrators that classrooms are not churches,” said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United. “School-sponsored religious activity is a violation of students’ rights.”

Freshwater’s religious activities roiled the Ohio community. He distributed creationist material in class, which he always collected and refused to let students take home. He also passed out surveys to students asking them if faith was important to them and promoted religion in other ways.
Freshwater was also accused of using an electronic device (a Tesla coil) to burn a cross into a student’s arm. The boy’s parents complained to school officials, and the matter went to court. A judgment was issued in favor of the student and his family, and they received a financial settlement.
Why does this teacher still have a job?  He should be fired or at least put on administrative leave without pay.  Students are a captive audience.  Teachers and staff have no business proselytizing to students about religion, politics or any other hot button issues of the day.
I would hope that the Supreme Court would refuse to hear his case.  I would hope his school system fired his worthless tail and that’s the end of that.

4 Thoughts to “Supremes decline to hear creationist appeal”

  1. Starryflights

    This is good

  2. Jackson Bills

    Why does this teacher still have a job?

    Teachers union maybe?

    1. I think that is what the case was over. He got fired and he sued. As long as a teacher in a right to work state has due process and the procedures are followed, teachers can and are fired.

  3. George S. Harris

    The First Amendment does protect your freedom speech, but it does NOT protect you from the consequences of your utterances.

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