I just got a detention for calling Bush a moron.

[The Blue Knight]

I was sitting in junior English, and our teacher asked us, "Are there some people, who many consider fools, but succeed despite that, and amount to power, despite being considered a moron?"

And I said, "Yes, I mean, just look at our President."

She then proceeded to go on a tirade about respect for an elected official, I said he wasn't fairly elected, and then I got a detention for "insubordinance."

It's also worth noting that our teacher's husband, donated $2,000 to the Bush campaign. (Thanks fundrace.org).

How funny is that?

[rabid_nerd]

1. fight it

call in the ACLU ;)

[trogdor]

24. Better yet, do it again.

Every day. Stand up in English class and say, "Bush is an idiot." How long is detention anyway? An hour? Gives you an extra study hall.

On edit: OTOH, grading in English class can be highly subjective. What you do depends on how hard you expect to fight lousy marks on term papers ,or how much you care about them.

[mandyky]

67. Yep, call the ACLU

and make lotsa noise to anyone principal and above who will listen.

[CrownPrinceBandar]

70. Damn right!!!

Call as much attention to this as you probably can.

[aquart]

2. Well worth the detention.

If she didn't want that answer, she shouldn't have set it up so perfectly.

[kentuck]

3. Send a written appeal to your principal...

and make it polite. :)

[djg21]

52. Do some research first.

Look into the process by which one would properly appeal a disciplinary sanction, and also see if there is a formal grievance procedure by which you could formally protest the teacher's conduct.

Usually, there is a very short time in which you may appeal a disciplinary sanction, so move quickly, and make sure you follow the procedure to the letter. You should also look into how you can appeal the decision of the principal to your school board, and from there, appeal to the Superintendent, and from there, to the Commissioner of the State Education Department.

In regard to an affirmative grievance against the teacher, you should likewise familiarize yourself with the proper procedure, if there is one (it's likely published in a regulation). Then you should fully pursue that remedy too.

Your teacher arguably violated your civil rights by retaliating against you after you engaged in activity protected by the First Amendment. At the very least, you can argue that she should be counseled or reprimanded. You should note that you need to be "actually" and "effectively" chilled, i.e., you must be compelled to change your behavior by refraining from the protected activity in response to the retaliatory acts, before you can assert a First Amendment retaliation claim in court, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Section 1983.

That being said, you likely haven't suffered any real quantifiable damage, and you very well may get the satisfaction you want in the form of an apology from the teacher, and in the knowledge that your teacher receives a formal reprimand.

If you take the initiative, do the research, and prepare draft letters, I'd be willing to review them and offer some guidance. Drop me a PM if you'd like my help!

Go for it!

[wryter2000]

4. For pity's sake

No matter any way you slice it, your answer was correct. Even people who like the moron have to admit that for a C student he sure went places.

As to "respect an elected official," I wonder how much respect she showed Clinton. And he really was elected.

Still it probably isn't a good idea for you to point that out.

[Dirty Hippie]

5. Do you have the right to appeal?

.

[rockymountaindem]

6. Yeah, fight it.

I don't think she's allowed to express her political views like that. You should give her hell for this.

[The Blue Knight]

17. Oh, I'm going to appeal it. My principal will overturn, and I see a ...

reprimand in my teacher's future.

Yea, good point on the Clinton issue. She refers to him as "Bubba" and "slick Willy"

[WoodrowFan]

27. Make sure you mention her refences to Clinton

in your letter make sure you include her nasty references to President Clinton.

[alarcojon]

38. "Bubba" and "Slick Willie"?!?!?

and $2000 to Bush's campaign? She's screwed if you play your cards right. Begin with a polite letter to her principal about someone who uses derogatory nicknames for Clinton harrassing you for using derogatory nicknames for Bush. I would play down the $2000 for now, as well as her use of "insubordinance".

Emphasize that you are expressing your views and attempting to debate them - isn't that what school is supposed to be about?

[IrateCitizen]

56. But the initial poster didn't use derogatory nicknames

He simply answered the question posed by the teacher. Rather than engage in debate, the teacher instead chose to stifle it.

As someone who is the son of two former teachers, married to another, and working toward entering the field myself -- I can say that someone who seeks to stifle debate has no business teaching. This teacher's behavior in this instance is reprehensible.

The teacher has no ground upon which to stand. She should have to issue a formal apology in front of the whole class, not to mention to the student in question and his parents.

[alarcojon]

65. True!

I conceded too much in my earlier post.

B-)

[Ysabel]

75. for that i'd have filed a complaint...

already...

if i were you i'd cc complaints to others also so to better insure that you don't get brushed off or forgotten...

[RandomKoolzip]

7. Right on for you!

Funny? There goes the theory/red herring of "liberal indoctrination" in public schools down the tubes.....

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

8. That's a hell of a story bro.

Trolls seem to lurk everywhere. Next time tell her that respect should be earned and no one is entitled to it no matter who they are or think they are. Please keep us posted about this.

[Ganja Ninja]

9. You should get extra credit for finding the campaign contribution...

and move to the head of the class.

[glitch]

10. Excellent!

You get an 'A' for analysis and presentation.

[sidwill]

11. Speak truth to power

Good for you!

[orwell]

12. Head of the Class

Congratulations on becoming an American citizen.

Go to the head of the class.

O

[XanaDUer]

13. It's not that easy to get the ACLU to take a case...

but, are your parents/guardians libs?

You may want to discuss it with them, and have them discuss it with the teacher.

Sounds like a set-up question to me.

[jus_the_facts]

she ASKED a question....you gave an answer....

.....just because it goes against HER personal politics is NO reason for you to get in trouble...I wouldn't go and DARE anybody do a DAMN thing about it....ahh the rebel in me never dies!! :evilgrin:

[ixion]

14. sorry to hear that, BK

I really hate it when teachers think they can censor students. Dissent is not disrespect. It is democracy in action.

Hang in there.

:yourock:

[Sequoia]

15. Are you serious!!

What state are you in? I'd be calling the local paper or tv station on this one. That teacher ought to be fired.

[ret5hd]

16. well, it's pretty funny...

considering that if i had been in the class i would have assumed that she was directly referring to bush* and was expecting that answer. I would promptly apologize and ask for a moment to re-state my position. Upon being granted that moment, i would use HER for an example.

[Rainbowreflect]

41. Thanks a lot, I just spewed green tea all over my monitor.

I like the way you think.

[Arkana]

18. Are you serious?

That's damn creepy--almost as bad as Bleachers7's congressman telling him his opinions were "wrong".

I get bashed daily for being a liberal and supporting John Kerry, or opposing the war in Iraq, or for hating the illegitimate pretender to the American throne. Never gotten in any real trouble, though.

Just chalk it up to the fact that Repug scum want to quash any dissent. As far as I'm concerned, pal, it was worth the damn detention to see your teacher swell up like a bullfrog like that.

[Vladimir]

19. Good on yer!

Go to tshirthell.com, buy their 'I still hate George Bush' t-shirt and wear it to detention and subsequent classes.

V

[blindpig]

20. consider it a badge of honor

and make sure you ace the course!

[Dirty Hippie]

21. Hey kiddo, will you keep up posted on this?

Let us know how the appeal goes?

[RebelOne]

22. Oh no, I would be contesting that.

Definitely tell your principal.

[GoldenOldie]

31. Unqualified to be a teacher

Your teacher placed the term "moron," within her question. ".....despite being considered a moron?" She then reprimanded you because you gave that same term to George W.Bush????
Your teacher is a poor example of an educator and I am sure that many of your classmates picked up on her lapse in judgement.
It is apparent that your parents raised an independent thinker and one who stands up for his beliefs. Bravo.

[BootinUp]

23. That deserves some kudos!

The detention is un-called for!

[southpaw72]

25. you might also point out to your "english" teacher

... that "insubordinance" is not a word. Perhaps she's been listening to Bush a little bit too much. "Is our children learning?"

--sp

[LifeDuringWartime]

47. speaking of that quote...

my friend told me a story from his AP history class, when they were discussing politics and whatnot, and he said the "is our children learning?" quote. a girl turned around and said "well OBVIOUSLY!"

;)

[Bozita]

26. Document her hubby's Bush donation in your appeal

Then she'll be the one doing the explaining.

[xchrom]

28. ok -- you rock!

don't let it end there -- we're all with you.

[devinsgram]

29. Stand up for your rights

by the way has Laura seen that picture yet. LOLOLOLOLOL

[Generic Other]

30. So what the hell was the right answer supposed to be?

People like this woman give the profession a bad name.

You should be commended for giving an honest answer.

Lesson: Never ask a question expecting a pre-determined answer.

[BiggJawn]

33. Bill "Slick Willy" Clinton, of course!

If he'd said "Klintoon, because he raped that little girl and messed up her dress" the teacher would have invited him to share lunch, I'd bet...

she's in even more trouble with the administration for taking time to discuss something that isn't on "The TEST"....

Even more, I get the feeling that our Public School system has changed it's mission to training "WalMart Associates" instead of educating our young....

[EV1Ltimm]

32. maybe you should have said clinton

... and then followed up with comment about how much you hate them-there minorities.

Two words: Straight A's.

[mikey_1962]

34. Focus on the policies

Calling him a moron is an "ad hominem" attack and therefore childish;
Calling his policies moronic and backing it up with facts is the proper approach.

Write an intelligent, articulate essay on his policies with which you disagree, and you will avoid detention

[charlie105]

35. Hey, call the local radio/ TV station

Let this get some traction. You'd be emboldening a lot more of us. More power to you buddy!

:toast:

[Fleshdancer]

36. Well she's the idiot who asked the question in the first place

her question doesn't even make sense if she wants to disqualify elected officials. What kind of answer did she expect?

[nolabels]

37. Respect is a reciprocal thing, you cannot get any unless you show some

I mostly don't, but if you do practice it correctly, it can be quite a powerful tool. I would say you jumped off on the the wrong foot, but that is no reason not to give em hell anyway, the hypocrisy has been shown.

They have shown you no respect, if you have the stomach, the world is to be your smorgasbord and the hypocrisy for which you have been dealt has placed the ball in your court (assuming the story is true, of course)

Quest on, life is but a journey

P.s. Be careful though, I got so pissed off at my High School, I dropped out and joined the military. Talk about not being able to ask questions about statements. The military puts the whole thing the other way around, you get to anticipate them with out saying a word :-)

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

39. That's not at all funny

that's anti-American behavior to use the opposition's phrasing.

[Virginian]

40. Too bad it's so late in the school year.

If this conflict had happened early in the school year, you might have been able to transfer to an English class where the teacher didn't have an "axe to grind." She has control over your grade and your grades can keep you out of college.
Make sure someone above the teacher knows about this to make sure you are not graded poorly because of your political views.

[The Blue Knight]

42. UPDATE

Yea, I got called down the Principal's office today, I went through my spiel. I was like, "This is wrong and you know it, and I'm not going to serve this." He agreed with me, and he said that the foresaid teacher had stepped out of bounds. I told him if I was a dick, I'd call the ACLU and the local paper and raise hell about this...but I have more important stuff on my plate then my idiot teacher.

So, he said he'd talk with her, and the appropriate action would be taken, and he apologized to me and thanked me for being mature about it.

I think I'll break out my old Bush/Cheney spoof shirt from '01 which reads "BUSH CHEATED" just to pull her chain.

[redqueen]

51. Good for you

If she gives you any grief about this, though, I'd document her retaliation in a letter to the principal cc'ed of course to the ACLU. :)

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

53. I now expect your principal to be declared part of the...

...Vast Left Wing Conspiracy. :yourock:

Now for kicks: take every chance you get for publically praise the principal in her presence. Like, "wow, I'm glad the principal ordered this room repainted. I like this color", etc.

[nolabels]

54. A true diplomat, good job

:thumbsup:

[Peter1x9]

55. Awesome

Great work! :thumbsup:

[shanti]

58. ^5 dude!

you did good!

[IrateCitizen]

60. Are you sure you're only in high school? You sound too mature.

There are many adults who wouldn't have handled this situation as diplomatically as you did.

Probably more important than anything, you handcuffed your teacher from being able to punish you by giving a grade less than you deserve. And this means that you will be free to wear all of the anti-Bush t-shirts you want without her being able to do a damned thing about it other than scowl and pout.

Great show indeed, Blue Knight!

[ronnykmarshall]

73. You ROCK!

I'd be proud to have you as a son.

Oh my GOD!! I just realized that I AM old enough to be your dad!

[Sophree]

80. Good for you, kid!

If you still have the detention slip, you should blow it up (bigger) and put THAT on a T-shirt. Wear it with pride!!

[SammyWinstonJack]

43. Sounds to me like she got the correct answer to her question.

Certainly is the answer I would have given her and how can she dispute it? Mr. C student himself admitted as much.

[Jim__]

44. She asked the question ...

your answer was to her question. She shouldn't have asked if she didn't want to hear the answer.

[RummyTheDummy]

45. I take it you go to a private school?

If you go to a public school, call the ACLU at once.

[cryofan]

46. Blue Knight---You are a DU GOD!

Keep up the good work!You should definitely appeal it. You can beat it easily as long as you did not curse or yell or degrade or attack the teacher personally in class.

[The Blue Knight]

48. No. I go to a public school.

[K8-EEE]

49. All Hail The Blue Knight!

This is excellent....thanks for doin' the time bro!

[Nlighten1]

50. Get a lawyer

Sue sue sue

[xultar]

57. What is the phone & fax number and street addy for your school!

:nuke::grr::nuke:

[buycitgo]

59. this cracks me up......what a great story

check your PMs

[derby378]

61. We want the teacher's name

If her husband's listed in FundRace, this shouldn't be a problem... :evilgrin:

[zbdent]

64. Also, see if she's a member of the local teachers union

explain to the union that, yes, she's a member, and should be protected by the union, but they really don't have to put too much effort into helping her.

If she is, point out the irony, that she is a "terrorist" as deemed by the very administration she backs.

[The Rock]

62. I would've refused to go to detention...

and alerted the principal and School Board. That was uncalled for to give you detention like that.

If the principal or the school board refused, I would then sue. You have a right to your opinion.

:grr:

[HydroAddict]

63. Better yet, get the whole class to walkout...

It would be one hell of a way to make a statement about this teacher!

[indepat]

66. The teacher's question begged The Blue Knight's answer

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

68. self deleted

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

69. Is that an old photo of bush raising money for Enron? eom

[proud patriot]

71. Good for you , If I was your parent I'd reward you for that detention

Great job ....:thumbsup:

[noiretextatique]

72. i see this situation was resolved: good job!!! HOWEVER...

i think you should have asked for a public apology in class, since her tirade and attempted punishment was public, in class. since the entire class witnessed the episode, i think the entire class should witness her public apology.

[proud patriot]

74. I agree

:thumbsup:

[ElementaryPenguin]

76. Don't stop fighting this unitl that teacher is fired!!

Your story is so damn outrageous!

:mad:
:spank:

[cmd]

77. Response for you

I'll serve the detention, but he'll still be a moron.

[MadProphetMargin]

78. Welcome to Nixon's "enemies list", kid. You're in good company.

[rucky]

79. Inform the local paper.

they'll eat it up. if you don't mind getting your 4 1/2 minutes of fame.