I must apologize. I did not originally intend for this particular blog to be so long, but I believe it is a necessary
Issue to discuss. So please bare with me. Thank you.
First, the reading matter. . . . . .
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NJ Teacher Probed by School District for 'Anti-Gay' Messages on Facebook
By Allison Summers | Christian Post Contributor
New Jersey school officials are currently investigating allegations that high school teacher Viki Knox posted anti-gay comments on her Facebook page, in which she describes homosexuality as "perversion" and complains about exhibits and events going on at the school during its celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history month, according to CBSNewYork.com.
The posts, which sparked a lengthy thread of debate among Facebook users, caught the attention of local attorney and former township councilman John Paragano, who subsequently alerted the school district with a copy of the thread and a letter explaining the need for Knox's dismissal from her position.
In the Facebook thread, Knox, who also serves as the faculty advisor to a prayer group at Union Township High School, posted a picture of a photo display in the hallway of the school of famous LGBT celebrities, commenting that she is "pitching a fit" that the display was still in the school.
At another point in her comments, Knox said, "Homosexuality is a perverted spirit that has existed from the beginning of creation. The Word of God refers to it often. That's if you believe the Word to be truly God's intended blueprint for his people."
While some users expressed approval of Knox's views, other Christians spoke out against the teacher's comments.
"You are kidding me!" said user Judy Greco Amorosa. "I heard about this post – What kind of Christian are you? God made each and every one of us – gay, straight, black, white, Christian, Jew, blond, brunette – and we should all love each other (sic) – that is the Christian way."
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The scandal comes at a time in which suicides as a result of gay-bullying in schools are making national headlines and catching the attention of politicians and celebrities, who agree that action must be taken to end the problem.
Just last month, 14-year-old Buffalo, N.Y., student Jamey Rodemeyer committed suicide because of bullying about his sexuality, which was later discovered through Youtube videos the teen posted in which he detailed the daily harassment he endured.
Last year, the death of Rutgers University freshman Tyler Clementi also captured national attention when he jumped off of the George Washington Bridge in New York, reportedly because two fellow students allegedly posted a secretly recorded video showing an intimate encounter taking place between him and another male.
Garden State Equality, New Jersey's largest civil rights organization, said it thinks Knox should lose her job over the comments because it could interfere with a recent New Jersey law put in place to ensure students are taught to treat each other with respect, regardless of backgrounds.
"It is one thing to hold anti-gay views – that's protected in America – but it would be another thing to vow to teach them in the classroom in a public school," said CEO and chair of Garden State Equality Steven Goldstein.
The issue of the possible violation of Knox's 1st Amendment rights also sparking much debate on the Web.
"So she is religious and made a statement that conforms to her beliefs. What's the big deal?" asked one reader on NJ.com. "Listen I am not against gay rights nor am I a religious person, but people saying what's on their mind and then being ridiculed for it has to stop. Why is it OK to speak out in support of gays but not OK to speak out against them?"
Knox noted in one lengthy Facebook comment: "I have friends and loved ones who are practicing/ living as homosexuals. Yes I love can care about them. We hug and exchange gifts. We have family dinners. But how they live and their actions, behaviors – CHOICES are against the nature and character of God!"
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Ms. Knox is currently on suspension pending the school board's eventual decision.
How do I feel about this issue? I have no feelings, because Gods' kingdom doesn't work according to feelings. Feelings are too unstable. One is happy one minute, and a second later one is ready to shoot someone. One minute one likes vanilla ice cream, the next day they want butter scotch or chocolate. . . . .
Regardless of how I/we feel, God says in His word that Homosexuality is an ABOMINATION, period.
As I've said in the past, and will continue to say until I leave this earth by Rapture or carried by six ( pallbearers ). I am a Christian, I believe in God, and in what my Heavenly Father says is true. Therefore, when He speaks, I agree with what He says, whether I like it or not. Truth is truth, whether it is sweet, bitter, sour, or too hot to handle. But as I grow to love God, I grow to love what He says, even if it hurts. Yea, even if I must stand alone.
I agree with Ms Knox. She is also correct in expressing her Christian values about Homosexuality. After all, the last time I looked The United States of America is still a free country. We, her citizens reside under the protection of the First Amendment of The U.S. Constitution and are therefore able to express our religious beliefs without reprisals.
However, it's rather strange that Homosexuals have been vociferous and forthright in stating their beliefs, rallying to get legislation passed, and marshaling the public to accept them. In essence, pushing it into our faces, whether we like it or not! But when a Christian raises up to say: “Listen, according to the Bible, what homosexuals are doing is a sin and an abomination”, they ( Christians ) are excoriated and run out of town! Remember Reggie White?
He was an ex-pro football player who landed a sportscasting job on one of the big three networks. I don't remember when, but he gave an interview where he said ( paraphrased) “Homosexuals are not gay, they are SODOMITES!”
You pretty well can guess what happened next. First came the excoriation, then then he was unceremoniously fired from his job as sportscaster. But, that didn't hurt Reggie because he went back home and became a preacher. That is a much greater profession in God's eyes.
Now comes the second part of my debate. Was it proper to express her views on her FaceBook Page? Yes and no. What do you mean by that, Sista?
Yes, it was right to express her views on her FaceBook page, if it was only restricted to say members of her church and other Christian groups. However, Ms. Knox apparently trusted and allowed her students access to join/friend and follow her page. That is how word spread about her views, which eventually landed her in hot water with her place of employment.
It is sad to say that in this day an age, one must be circumspect in what one posts on various social networking sites. Twitter and FaceBook, to name a few. Even though this is still a free country, and these sites claim to protect your privacy, they will give you up in a heartbeat if the kimshee hits the fan! Case in point: Anthony Wiener's Twitter account/record. And as you can see, FaceBook rolled completely over on Ms. Knox.
Unfortunately, when you have The United States Government and legal powerhouses like The Anti Deformation League after you. FaceBook, Twitter, etc don't want to be held liable, cited, and censured, nor do they want to lose revenue. So, guess who loses out? Got a mirror?
Additionally, these days the internet makes every bit of your personal information available at everyone's fingertips. You no longer need to be a private detective to hunt down information on people. A simple email address search can hunt down someones true address and name, etc. If you are moderately adept in using the computer, this would be child's play.
Employers now use FaceBook and sites like “E-Verify” on a regular basis to determine if you are the right person for them to hire. So, if you post trash on FaceBook, don't be surprised if you either don't get the job, or shown the door if you already have one.
Unfortunately, there are also some workplaces who use FaceBook and Twitter to monitor/keep track of their employees. For example, you call out sick for a week, yet post photos of you and your friends in the Bahamas on FaceBook. You just might return to a cleaned out cubicle on Monday. Yep! Hoisted by thine own petard. . . . .
In this electronically enhanced and dependent age, it is ESSENTIAL for you as an employee to find out your jobs policy about social networking! Don't settle for them just telling you verbally,GET IT IN WRITING, MAKE COPIES, SECURE THEM and STICK TO THEM! Don't just automatically assume you have a right to post what you want under The Constitution. Many workplaces will VIOLATE both The Constitution, and your personal privacy, then challenge YOU to sue them!
Also don't depend on your union to protect you either. Even though they confiscate a portion of your hard earned pay towards dues, and say some of it is earmarked towards legal defense in the event you need it. They too, will leave you to twist in the wind. If the political blow back is too hot, they WILL NOT step up to the plate. . . . . . .
Also don't depend on your union to protect you either. Even though they confiscate a portion of your hard earned pay towards dues, and say some of it is earmarked towards legal defense in the event you need it. They too, will leave you to twist in the wind. If the political blow back is too hot, they WILL NOT step up to the plate. . . . . . .
My only bit of advise is to please use common sense if you want to use social networks. You can sign up under your own name, have a very limited following ( ex: do not friend ANY of your co-workers or supervisors no matter how nice they are ). Keep your account private and locked so friend requests must be either granted/rejected/blocked by you.
If you want to chance it, supposedly FaceBook has a feature where you can separate your friends and co-workers. You can post updates to some and not others, and vice versa. I have not tried/used this particular feature so I cannot vouch for it's validity.
However, over the past year or so I have found FaceBook's claims of security to be suspect. . . Trust me, this is a GEEK's professional opinion.
You can also take the clandestine approach and sign up under a “Nome De Plume” or “Pen Name”. That way if your workplace does a name search ( on your real name ), they won't be able to find you. With this too, you must be careful who you friend or follow. If you are suspicious about certain people, and of friend requests. Block, block, block.
Remember those bracelets that were very popular some years ago that asked: WWJD ( What Would Jesus Do )? Ask yourself, would Jesus post that? Or would Jesus approve of that post? If you get an inkling He would NOT, don't post it! Because once it's put out there, it will NEVER go away.
In conclusion, Christians are admonished in the Bible to Glorify The Kingdom Of God in EVERYTHING we do! Yes, even in social networking. Amen?
Let it be so. . . . . . .
