A teacher at a Fort Worth, Texas, high school has been placed on paid administrative leave after suspending a Christian student who said in class homosexuality is wrong.
On Sept. 20, Kristopher Franks’ German class at Western Hills High School was discussing the German view of homosexuality and religion. One student asked what the German word is for “lesbian”; another, 14-year-old freshman Dakota Ary, told a friend he’s a Christian who believes homosexuality is wrong. For that, Franks sent him to the principal’s office with an in-school suspension for “possible bullying.”
When Ary’s parents heard about it, they contacted Liberty Counsel, a Christian law firm. Their lawyers spoke with the school, which then reversed Ary’s suspension and disciplined Franks.
“We are pleased with the school’s response thus far,” said Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mathew Staver. “The teacher clearly crossed the line and should apologize publically to Dakota. It is intolerable for the teacher to ridicule the religious beliefs of students in front of class. This teacher should not force his views about homosexuality upon students. Teachers cannot use their position to bully students and humiliate them in front of their peers.”
The incident wasn’t the first for Franks, who lawyers said earlier this month displayed a photo of two men kissing and told his class that since homosexuality is becoming more prevalent, they should just accept it.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Learn about helpful resources for students who wish to share their faith with peers.
Students in public schools and universities have an advocate when facing religious freedom bias: The Alliance Defense Fund.
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