Despite student efforts to make Grissom a safe place to come out, one of their own teachers would cross them with his beliefs.
When I first came across this story, it was in the form of a Facebook note that was written by someone other than the girl that had been bullied by her teacher. The note spoke of how she was talking to a friend and the teacher intruded on the conversation and then used his position to force the class to listen to his religious views on homosexuality. Once she asked him to stop, he continued, informing her that she was in the wrong.
This story became even more bothersome when I learned that the school board all but dismissed the story, almost showing students and parents that it is okay to bully in Huntsville City Schools.
The student, Taylor, that was at the bunt end of this prejudice was more than willing to share her story and answer a few questions.
Me: "What exactly did you say to start the teacher's rant?"
Taylor: "I was talking with a friend and I mentioned that I wanted to move to San Francisco and then someone else jumped in and said 'did you know that's a huge gay community?' and I said "that's the point.'"
Me: "How did the teacher get involved in the conversation?"
Taylor: "He jumped in on his own and started talking about how he disagreed."
Me: "How did he disagree?"
Taylor: "He said it was gross and he it should be illegal. I had told him 'you have your opinions and i have mine, let's not have this conversation. There's no need to argue' and he kept his rant going on about how the bible says it's a sin and how it's Adam and Eve."
Of course this story has been shared widely on Facebook like any story that makes it onto the booming social site. That being said, I've collect a small compilation of comments made in reference to the story and how the people feel about it taking place. (All quotes have been used with permission and none have been edited.)
"You'd be ashamed of the JROTC if you read the article this person wrote." - Amena Tenshi in reference to the original note on Facebook
"I am a Army Veteran and I am disgusted by the Rotc Instructors conduct. When you wear the Army uniform everyone is army green, not: male or female, gay or straight, black or white apparently this instructor needs to be retrained or discharged. Conduct unbecoming is the smallest charge that he should be held accountable for. Standing up Army Strong is what the student did and her classmates should learn from this." Writes Terry Vescio Boucher
Even though the story isn't widespread, the emotions are strong and there has been no negative feedback as of yet.
If you would like to help make a change with this, please write an email, letter, or call the following
Dr. E. Casey Wardynski
Superintendent, Huntsville City Schools
200 White Street
Huntsville, AL 35801
superintendent @hsv.k12.al.us
Colonel Leo M. Impavido
Commander, 6th Brigade
US Army Cadet Commander
246 Blanton Road, Bldg 1031
Hunter Army Airfield, GA 31409
fax 912-315-7800
The bottom is NOT the teacher, so please be polite when addressing him. The bottom address is the address of the regional commander for the JROTC army. Since this teacher is a part of JROTC as opposed to just a teacher, this is not only a matter of Huntsville City Schools but the entire JROTC board.
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