In the UK I would like to think that no one would defend a teacher who used an electrostatic device to brand children in their class. The teacher would be sacked and no one would leap to their defense. In parts of the US it would seem that such cases are not quite so straightforward. In this news story there is a bizarre quote:
“With the exception of the cross-burning episode. … I believe John Freshwater is teaching the values of the parents in the Mount Vernon school district,”
This seems akin to claiming that apart from stabbing his guests, Norman Bates ran a perfectly good motel.
The follow-up story describes how supporters of this teacher prayed for God to inspire the school board to reach the correct decision concerning this teacher. The board sacked the teacher. Their prayers were answered, but not in the way that they wanted.
Ugh. It honestly sounds like this teacher is mentally ill. Given the branding incident, it sure seems like he needs to be treated by a mental-health professional for bizarre, delusional behavior bordering on torture.
What is particularly galling is that there is ANYONE in the community who supports this enemy of education. I was pleased that the article interviewed at least one person who identifies herself as a Christian and disagrees with the teacher’s actions.