Indiana High School.

[Garfield1966]

According to the article, the teacher has to notify the principle about any controversial topic to be published. One would think that they were contemplating the over throw of the government or advocating some other heinous crime. Alas, it as nothing so glamorous. The article in question merely advocated that gays be treated with tolerance. She also stated that n her opinion, being gay is not a choice.

The teacher gets transferred for allowing this heinous article to be published. What kind of message does this send to children?

In my opinion, it is a public school paid with tax payer dollars. The standards of journalism should be the same as out in the real world. Just because something is controversial does not warrant censorship


Flame suit on.


CNN article

Text of Megans article

 

[UAL_TECH]

According to the article, the teacher has to notify the principle about any controversial topic to be published. One would think that they were contemplating the over throw of the government or advocating some other heinous crime. Alas, it as nothing so glamorous. The article in question merely advocated that gays be treated with tolerance. She also stated that n her opinion, being gay is not a choice.

The teacher gets transferred for allowing this heinous article to be published. What kind of message does this send to children?

In my opinion, it is a public school paid with tax payer dollars. The standards of journalism should be the same as out in the real world. Just because something is controversial does not warrant censorship
Flame suit on.
CNN article

Text of Megans article

POST DELETED BY REQUEST OF ORIGINAL POSTER

MOD

 

[Garfield1966]

To compare homosexuality with bestiality is apples and oranges as well as insulting.

Homosexuality involves consenting adults. Bestiality involves an animal that has no say in the matter. They are by no means the same thing and to infer otherwise is disingenuous. If you were to use S&M or something similar then you might have an argument (not that I would agree with it).

Megans article did not imply or ask that homosexuality be accepted as the “normâ€￾. She did say that people should be more tolerant of other peoples lives.

The only way your argument seems to work is if you use some shocking example of behavior as your comparison. Your argument falls apart when it involves two or more consenting adults.

Given the numerical difference in the number of gay to hetero people on the planet, I have serious doubts that hetero life style will ever be considered not ‘normal’.

I guess it depends on how you define ‘acceptâ€￾. If you define it as participation, no I do not think you have to worry about be forced to be gay. I define acceptance as being afforded the same rights as any other person or couple in this country. Most of my gay friends see it the same way.

My answer is that two or more consenting adults may do whatever they choose to do as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others.

 

[Gilding the Lily]

The teacher gets transferred for allowing this heinous article to be published. What kind of message does this send to children?

She was not transferred because she allowed the article to be published; she was transferred because she did not comply with an agreement to alert the principal about controversial articles.

Of course, this reason may be pretext for transferring her for the actual article. But I do understand the school's policy. They must be forewarned about controversial articles so that they can have the opportunity to prepare for any community backlash.

Also, as in 'real world' journalism, there is a managing editor or editor-in-chief in charge of determining what it, and what is not, published. Likewise, the school may determine that an article is not worthy of publication. That is not an infringement on free speech... it is editorail management. There is no right to force someone or something to publish what you think. If you want your voice to be heard and no one wants to publish your thoughts, then make your voice heard by telling people with your mouth (or post it on USAviation).

 

[Garfield1966]

I guess I was not aware the advocating tolerance is considered controversial.

Since the principle is only to be notified of "controversial" issues, he is not a full time manager. In my opinion, he has designated the teacher as the editor who is in charge of over seeing the paper. Had the article been about teaching how to make home made bomb or to grow pot in your own green house then I can see that as being controversial and notification of the principle may be warranted.

The journalism teacher was placed in charge of the paper. She made the decision that the article was of sufficient quality to publish in the school paper. She also seemed to make the decision that this did not meet the standards for being deemed "controversial" and did not feel obligated to notify the principle. Perhaps the principle should run the paper, then he can ensure that no controversial issues that may offend the locals will be published. Seems to be a piss poor way of running a paper and getting kids interested in journalism.

 

[Gilding the Lily]

I guess I was not aware the advocating tolerance is considered controversial.

One need look no further than this topic discussion to determine that it is controversial.

Let me ask you this. Would you have posted this topic if the underlying article was about tolerating people who wear hats inside public buildings? Although it is speculation, I suspect you would not have.

Likewise, would the media pick up this story if the underlying article was about tolerating those who don't eat red meat?

No... the media would not. And like it or not, tolerance of same sex relationships is still a controversial and debated issue!

 

[Garfield1966]

Interesting supposition. I had not thought of it that way.

There is another way to look at it though. There are articles written all the time about such controversial topics that pass unnoticed. I believe the issue is controversial because of the end result, not the article it self. I have done a brief search on the article and did not turn up anything that indicated the article cause riots, increase in murder or any other such dangers to society. Had the teacher not been punished, there would not have been any story and life would have gone on.

As I recall there was a teacher who was suspended for taking her class to an art museum where there were a few nudes. I would not have thought going to an art museum was controversial either. The controversy came when a dumb ass in power suspended the teacher.

Had someone been suspended or transferred based on an article advocating tolerance for those who don’t eat red meat I am pretty sure that would make the paper as well.

 

[local 12 proud]

To compare homosexuality with bestiality is apples and oranges as well as insulting.

Both are unnatural and both are disgusting so yes its apples to apples.

Homosexuality involves consenting adults. Bestiality involves an animal that has no say in the matter.

...Are you sure about that, ever hear of the dog whisperer? 😛

Just for you http://animaltalk.org.uk/

 

[delldude]

Bestiality involves an animal that has no say in the matter.

Ever meet the little lady?

I think I love ewe

 

[Richard]

I think this one has run its course......