A fight for religious freedom in the classroom

[mominbolt]

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Legal/Default.aspx?id=563528

A fight for religious freedom in the classroom

A Christian teacher in a public school is being hailed as "a hero of the faith."

 

John Freshwater, an eighth-grade teacher in Ohio, filed suit this week against the Mount Vernon City School District and district officials, claiming they violated his free-speech and civil rights when he was released. The $1-million lawsuit claims he was fired by the district last year over accusations that he preached Christianity in class. He also says he was harassed because of his religion and was discriminated against because of his involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
 
Finn Laursen is executive director of Christian Educators Association International, of which Freshwater is a member.
 
"I am pleased to see a public school teacher like John Freshwater willing to go outside his comfort zone and fight for the religious freedoms our forefathers guaranteed is through the U.S. Constitution," says Laursen. "It is imperative that all Christian educators, students, and parents be willing to step forward to insist on their rights -- or those rights will slowly be forfeited.
 
"John is proving to be a hero of the faith," he adds.
 
In firing Freshwater, the Mount Vernon school board cited an internal investigation that found he had preached his Christian beliefs in class. Freshwater, a teacher for 24 years, was also accused of using a scientific device to burn a cross image onto a student's arm and of keeping a Bible on his desk. 

[MomaNana2008]

Jun. 15, 2009 at 5:57 PM

Sorry, I don't agree with this one, Mary-Mr. Freshwater isn't using a Christian spirit of a sound mind to get attention by burning a cross in a minor's arm....Someone once got my attention by reaching over and burning my leg with a cigarette she was smoking-I wondered why she didn't think that would be easily construed as torture-She counted on me not to do anything.... what could I do?  No witnesses!  lol.   This guy made sure there were witnesses! If he had a viable court case, he didn't need to do the "cross-burning" bit.  It really ruined what he claims he was trying to do.   This type of case really irritates because so many in the United States have literally been tarred and feathered and run out of towns on rails since the 1st World War for THEIR  Christian religious beliefs of  not only not saluting the flag, but not going to war-which is in fashion now-and those "Christians" that claimed that the non-saluters of the flag in the past didn't worship "the Same Jesus" as they,  are  now doing EXACTLY what those they condemned,  pioneered!  What does that say about America and which attorneys want what religions to control America's money?  I hope the guy loses. The student should sue him for torturing him!////

[RettsMom]

Jun. 16, 2009 at 8:22 AM

Wow.....

[moomers]

Jun. 18, 2009 at 7:53 PM

He didn't burn a cross in a students arm.It was a rumor or hoax.My children should be allowed to pray or read a Bible any where they please.I wouldn't deny one of my students the right to bring the Koran(Sp???) to school and read during free time.helllooooo Where is the equality?.We can't pick and choose who gets to do what /where.People have the right of expression as long as it is not disruptive or harmful in my opinion.Everyone has the right of discussion and opinion.