A teacher employed by the Fort Zumwalt School District in O’Fallon, Missouri has triggered an investigation into his conduct following a controversial tweet. On October 3, the teacher posted comments ridiculing same-sex marriage to his Twitter account.
“Never should have allowed gay marriage to start with,” the tweet read. “Marriage is between man and woman, plain and simple.”
The tweet invited immediate backlash from students and parents. A short time later, the teacher posted an apology of sorts. “I made a post earlier that was apparently insensitive to many and hurtful,” it read. “We all make mistakes and mine was public. I apologize to anyone that was offended. In reading responses I am deeply regretful of hurting anyone’s feelings.” The teacher also made his Twitter account private, though not before screenshots of the earlier tweet decrying marriage equality began to circulate among the community.
Related: Transgender woman found brutally murdered in Missouri. Are police mishandling the case?
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Now one former student, Caitlin Bush, has launched a petition to demand accountability. “Part of a teacher’s job is to keep students safe, to create a safe space at school especially for students who don’t have that safe space at home,” Bush told CBS affiliate KMOV. “If you cannot love and accept all of your students, you shouldn’t be teaching. Because of free speech you can technically say that but you need to accept the consequences.”
It’s worth noting that Bush herself had the teacher–whose name has not been made public–for two years while attending Fort Zumwalt High.
“His Twitter feed – it wasn’t privatized and so it was open for any of our students, parents, community to see,” Superintendent Dr. Bernard DuBray said to KMOV. “If he wants to have an opinion that’s fine but he needs to keep it to himself or privatize his Twitter.”
DuBray acknowledged that he and other school administrators had met with the teacher–who also works as a coach for the district–but would not comment on disciplinary action. He did, however, acknowledge the teacher did violate district ethics policies. The case remains ongoing.
Cam
“has triggered an investigation into his conduct following a controversial tweet”
The tweet isn’t “Controversial” the tweet is bigoted. If even LGBTQ sites refuse to call bigotry what it is, how can we expect the mainstream media to do it?
Invader7
He needs to be FIRED and black listed. What a low life sleaze. Wanna bet he’s getting dicked down @ the bookstores, bath house(s), the parks, adult theaters, etc.?
canadiankid
No controversy here. People call racism for what it is. It’s time to do the same with bigotry. Also his apology should not have the word apparently in it. Clearly he doesn’t have a clue what he said was offensive.
James
I wish they would say his name. He made his posts public.
James
Charles Glotta, North Zumwalt High School, O’Fallon, Missouri.
Doug
I’m getting really sick and tired of people posting comments like this and then quickly backtracking when the shit hits the fan.
Essie
“He did, however, acknowledge the teacher did violate district ethics policies.”
So, why does he still have a job?
jasentylar
Teacher’s Union is why. Can’t just fire him.
hansniemeijer
zum walt is German for “into the wood”. Sack him and let him work in the wood
Vince
I love his non apology. I’m sorry if you were offended = F*ck you!
All you have to do is substitute say black or jewish with gay and no one would be calling this just “controversial” and he’d be fired the next day.
Jerry
Principal : Mr. Joe Sutton
Attendance : (636) 542-7012
Counseling : (636) 542-7014
whateverokok
This is sick. Posting personal information and phone numbers is wrong. Cleary, one’s right to freely speak doesn’t still stand in this country. Well, let me say this: if you don’t like what someone says about you, you can leave this country, you can calmly or not calmly tell that person how you feel then be done with it, or you can choose to keep your fat su—ing mouth shut.