Remember the Kearny high school history teacher who told a Muslim student that if she didn't accept Jesus "you belong in hell"? He went on to explain how dinosaurs were aboard Noah's ark and dismissed evolution and the Big Bang theory as "not scientific" but claimed the Bible is supported by "confirmed biblical prophecies."
When one of his students - Matthew LaClair - approached the administration to tell them what was going on, the teacher denied everything. But Matthew had audio tapes to prove it. Instead of taking action against the teacher, the administration's response was to ban students from audio taping classes. Rather than support the student, their actions made him a target of bullies and death threats. In February, Matthew's parents decided to take the Kearny Board of Education to court. Tuesday night a settlement was reached:
The settlement will include training for teachers and students about the separation of church and state and a public statement by the board praising Matthew for bringing the matter to its attention. [...]
As part of the settlement, in which neither side admits wrongdoing, the New Jersey regional office of the Anti-Defamation League will start training teachers and students in September about keeping church and state separate in public schools, and about "the distinction between the scientific theory of evolution and the religious doctrine of creationism."
Another part of the deal says the board will make a public statement commending Matthew for his "courage and integrity," and the LaClairs will issue a statement commending the board.
It's always easier to follow the crowd and not make waves - especially in high school where conformity is key. The board may or may not mean it, but we really do congratulate Matthew for his incredible courage and his parents for being so supportive.
