Anyone else following the Ohio trial of John Freshwater?

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The trial has just wrapped, and a verdict is soon due. I've been following it somewhat sporadically, but the most important thing I have noticed is the comments section of every online article--even those who have very strong faith are condemning this guy, and that's a GOOD sign!

In a nutshell: guy is a "science" teacher who was told several times from the school that he had to remove copies of posters of the 10 commandments and other religious dogma. He kept a bible on his desk, and several times told kids they would find answers to their science questions in the bible. He has said that evolution is only a "theory" and that some people find many faults with that "theory." He handed out questions at the beginning of the school year, asking personal questions about theur "faith" and that the "answers" could be found in "Genesis."

He was also demonstrating a Tesla coil (in every class, I gather), and burned a cross onto the forearm of several students--the parents of one student were appalled, and went to the school board on it, and he was essentially fired. However, in Ohio the law stipulates that he could have a hearing, and so for the past year and a half, this sleazebag has been spending the taxpayers' money on this trial.

The evidence is pretty damning on him, so I don't know what his ultimate goal was, perhaps he thinks he will prevail because he's such a good "Xtian." If anyone wants to talk about it, I'm interested in seeing what others have to say.

[Suich]

1. What's he on trial for?

Is he trying to get his job back?

:hi:

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2. I gather that he has the right to protest his firing

so it's like a pre-firing hearing. Really stupid, I think--all this money that could have gone to the educational system is being wasted on this bastard.

Here's an article about him:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/20/education/20teacher.html

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3. Is the ass who hired him as a science teacher also on trial?

Because that is someone who needs to go, also.

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4. Strangely enough

He's been "teaching" for 21 years. It was about 7 years ago when he presented to the school board a plan to "discuss" creationism in the classroom as well. Up to that point, I understand he was a decent teacher--or, at the least, kept his religious views to himself. Now, not so much!

[RBH_III]

5. "Trial" not wrapped

The administrative hearing (not "trial") on Freshwater's termination has not concluded. It's in the final stages of the presentation of Freshwater's argument to be retained; the Board of Education finished its case to terminate in January 2008. Once Freshwater's argument to be retained phase is done, the Board will put on a rebuttal (it has around 10 witnesses lined up for that), and then Freshwater can put on a response to that rebuttal. Then the hearing referee makes a recommendation to the Board of Education and the Board acts on the recommendation one way or the other. So there's a long way to go yet.

Worse, if the referee's recommendation goes against Freshwater and the Board accepts it, then he has the opportunity to take his case to the Court of Common Pleas, a local court. Finally, there are two federal civil suits in progress, one filed by the family (ncse.com/creationism/legal/doe-v-freshwater-mv) of the boy who was burned against Freshwater, and one filed by Freshwater (ncse.com/creationism/legal/freshwater-v-mount-vernon) against a range of people.

For more than you want to know about the situation, go to Panda's Thumb and search on "Freshwater".

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7. Thank you for the information--very much appreciated!

I think Ohio might have to rethink that law, as frittering away state money is simply disgusting in this case--at least to me. The school board was right to fire him, IMHO, and that should have been the end of the matter.

[mountvernon1805]

6. The rest of the story...

Hyphenate,

Some of the things you listed about John Freshwater are just allegations—not claims that have been proven. It is true that he had a Bible on his desk and a copy of the Ten Commandments in his classroom—he removed the Ten Commandments when told to do so in writing.

As far as the burn allegation goes—Freshwater has been very adamant about not having harmed any students. Take for example the statement he made to the Mount Vernon Board of Education on August 4, 2008: “I have never, never, branded or burned a person.” (Source, video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgtfePmIkPQ )

I live within the Mount Vernon City School district and have been covering the controversy extensively at my website: www.accountabilityinthemedia.com

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8. Ah, thank you for clarifications!

It's a fascinating story.