Students Rally for Suspended Teacher

Now who what it that said "stupid is as stupid does..."? Hmmm. I guess that's the way the cow tips.

To Katie, the woman who has asked us to stop talking about her community as though they are, in her words, "a bunch of cow-tipping idiots," I have only this response. Stop acting like a bunch of cow-tipping idiots, restore this teacher's position, and we'll restore to your community the benefit of the doubt. In fact, we'll probably forget about your little cow-town completely, no matter how stellar your little miracles' SAT scores.

Bruce NY- Vis-a-vis homosexuality and Darwinism: Since the theory of evolution posits nature selects those traits that best ensure the survival of the species or or genetic group, in social animals a gay uncle or lesbian aunt may provide an additional layer of protection for the next generation (since presumably said individuals are now available to help with rearing other than their own young without challenging other group members for scarce resources). In animals where reproduction is restricted to one alpha-male, non-procreative sex may also be a mechanism for social bonding as well as establishment of dominance hierarchies among other members. There are many proposed variations on these themes (depending on the critter being studied) that all suggest that homosexuality is beneficial to the survival of the species as a group. In essence, theory allows for non-reproductive sex that may still help promote the passing on of the "selfish gene".

Evolution is hit and miss. That's why humans have eyes that are prone to detached retinas and have a blind spot, but they work well enough to let us see at least until we are to old to breed. My guess (probably wrong) is that homosexuality provides a mechanism to reduce inbreeding in smaller populations. Since reading the article was optional I don't see why the teacher is in trouble. I suppose the student wanted to read the article and the parent didn't want her reading it. Still that is what a teacher is supposed to do, get the kids asking questions about preconceived ideas in science, religion, society and government so that those kids grow up to ready to deal with life and hopefully change things for the better.

As a mother of high schoolers, I totally disagree with the action that has been taken. I see nothing wrong with the article and don't understand why this teacher is facing disciplinary actions.

Can I just comment on the use of words like "redneck" to describe this community? Considering I doubt any of you have actually been to this area except for the lady from Alton which...sorry you have no room to degrade anyone's way of life, you can't possibly know how we live. Yes we're a small community, but it's not like we sit on our front porches playing the banjo and spit tobacco into a can. It's a tight-knit, safe area and judging by ACT scores obviously more intelligent than quite a few surrounding schools...Alton for example. So please don't treat this community like a bunch of cow-tipping idiots. And his name is Mr. DeLong...with a capital L.

Not reading the science ain't going to make it go away. The article mentioned that the reading assignment was 'optional'. So mom, don't have your kid read it.

Why the picture of Larry Johnson and Tim Hardaway for this article?

This is actually a very interesting conundrum for the Christian fundamentalists. I Googled the article about animal homosexuality which argues that Darwinian evolution must be seriously flawed because (let's face it, if the goal is to insure the survival of your genes homosexuality is obviously not the brightest way to go about it). So how can Darwinism explain the phenomena of homosexual animal behavior, which is well-documented by the way? What's so interesting is that it puts the fundies on the same side as Darwin, and we all know how much they love his theory of evolution!

Marina (of Seattle), your quick dismissal of this story is pretty shortsighted. I live 30 miles from Carlinville (actually the school is in Piasa, IL, which is pretty tiny). It is a socially conservative, religious, and yes 'redneck' area. But this teacher has surprising support here among both students and parents. Look at the story online in the Alton Telegraph. Lots of supportive comments appear. I can guarantee you this would not have been the case even 10 years ago. The story is symbolic of the progress of gay rights in America's small towns. I don't know if this teacher will keep his job (he is regarded as an outstanding teacher btw). But he has the support of his teachers union, many parents, and hundreds of students; and there will be repercussions if an attempt is made to fire him. People who live on the coasts should not be so dismissive of such things. Gay rights progress is slow in downstate Illlinois, but there is great progress being made.