I am not interested in the slightest in what some teacher did or didn't say, but it is time this 'free speech' crap is put to bed once and for all. Free speech was seen as a right, not so that loonies could say offensive things in public, but so that free people could voice their opinions about their government without fear or favour.
The misinterpretation of the concept of free speech is responsible for many of today's ills. With free speech comes responsibility and, unfortunately the immature fools who bang their little drums demanding to say anything they like 'because this is me and if you dont like it, tough luck' are all too often too immature to accept or even recognise the responsibility that comes with their freedom.
The British riots of last week were partly caused by this hair brained notion that 'we can say what we like and do what we like and no one can stop us'. Teachers cannot discipline their 'free' charges, parents can't clip a recalcitrant round the ear without some 'freedom spouting loony' threatening court action.
Teachers need to remember their responsibilities to their children and to society.
Thats an excellent post up this point......
If they do not wish to comply then don't be a teacher.
Teachers need only comply with law and practice ethical behavior...they don't lose their freedom by becoming teachers
If this teacher spouted anti gay stuff or anti anything stuff on her facebook page that is OK, BUT it is not OK if it is designed to offend (which of course it is) and if it is designed to reach a wide audience (which I guess it is).
What you may view as anti-anything, might just be a persons religious beliefs...is one to deny their personal values because YOU don't approve of them? Or maybe their personal beliefs on political issues differ from yours....so you can have ours but they are denied theirs....?
A teachers absolute duty is to teach what is required by law and to never, but never try to force their personal religious or political views on the students inside or outside the classroom and that limitation does not extend to silencing them at any other time or place where students are not their captive audience....
What is the matter with people and their lives when their 'fun' is facebook and twitter?
I was co-erced and couple of years ago to join twitter. I couldnt see what it was all about. I was encouraged to follow people and have people follow me but I could never understand why! After a month or two I quit.