Results: 5th Grader Bullied by Substitute Teacher

At Deerfield Elementary School in Cedar Hills, Utah, a substitute teacher asked fifth-graders what they were thankful for on the Friday before last Thanksgiving. One boy said, "I'm thankful that I'm finally going to be adopted by my two dads." But the teacher, students say, asked the boy, "Why on earth would you be happy about that?" In a 10-minute lecture, the substitute, who has not been publicly named, also said "homosexuality is wrong" and "two men living together is a sin". Do you feel this is an appropriate conversation for a teacher to be having with students?

The class became very disturbed with the actions of the substitute teacher. Several children in the classroom did their best to change the topic, but were unsuccessful. One brave student left the classroom without permission and reported it to the principal. The teacher was ultimately escorted from the building, and the district says that the school investigated the matter and took appropriate action. Do you think the offending teacher should have been removed from the classroom?

Although the identity of the family has been reported by the press, the name of the offending substitute teacher has not been revealed. Given the serious nature of this fireable offense, do you think she deserves to have her name released to protect future victims by giving potential employers a 'heads up' about the type of person they may consider hiring?

I'm impressed with the bravery these 10 and 11 year olds showed. They weren't afraid to defy authority when they knew their teacher was wrong and attempting to hurt others. If you were a child in the same position, do you think you would have the courage to stand up for the rights and dignity of your classmate like these children did?