Board Probes Teacher's Anti-Gay Facebook Posts

A New Jersey teacher's anti-gay comments on her Facebook page has sparked a firestorm of criticism. Now, some are demanding Viki Knox be fired.

School board members continue to probe claims that a teacher who advises a high school prayer study group posted Facebook remarks that described homosexuality as "perverted.''

Several hundred people were on hand to defend and denounce Viki Knox at the Union Township school board meeting Tuesday night.    

The board is considering whether Knox's conduct violated school policies. Members have yet to take action and would not comment on the teacher's status.    

Knox allegedly objected to a school display celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History Month.    

Openly gay teenagers appeared at the meeting to demand the 49-year-old special education teacher Viki Knox be fired.

"I felt safe until all of this, because I can only imagine how many students she said it to," said Samantha Abreu, a junior.

At the school board meeting Tuesday, another freshman, who gave her name as Stephanie, said of Knox, "She's my in-class support teacher, and she switched me with another student. I did nothing wrong. I found out from another student she did this to gays, lesbians and bisexuals."

But there were also supporters, who argued that Knox has a right to free speech.

"In America, we have a right to believe what we do, and share our views without people taking it personally," said Harold Boyd.

Pastor Paul Simpson said, "She speaks in Biblical values and we stand with her in solidarity."
Officials from gay rights groups said that although Knox's alleged anti-gay views are protected by the Constitution, she has a responsibility as a teacher to be a role model for students.

Knox is on paid administrative leave as the board continues to investigate.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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