Tuesday April 8, 2003

SCHOOL BOARD HAS RIGHT TO FIRE TEACHER WITH POOR JUDGEMENT

Teacher told students about her lesbian lifestyle when asked

SALT LAKE CITY, April 8, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The Utah state Supreme Court has ruled that it is up to education officials whether an openly lesbian high school teacher is an appropriate supervisor and role model for children in the classroom.

Psychology teacher Wendy Weaver, who now uses her maiden name Chandler, was the subject of complaints by parents and students at Spanish Fork High School in a predominantly Mormon area. She disclosed her sexuality when asked by curious students in 1997, instead of instructing them that it was not an appropriate question directed by students to a teacher. She then won a federal lawsuit against the Nebo School District when it tried to stop her from speaking to students about her lesbianism.

After numerous appeals, the high court said "disciplinary action and complaints" must be handled by the Professional Practices Advisory Commission, a state body. Complaints "must be taken before the only bodies authorized to act in this regard: the local school district, the Commission, or the State Board of Education," the court said.

For newswire coverage:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20030404/ap_on_re_us/lesbian_teacher_2

URL: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2003/apr/03040807.html

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