Free Speech Advocates Alarmed By Attempt to Fire Teacher Over Facebook Posts

Attorneys who defend free speech are speaking out in support of a New Jersey teacher who has been removed from the classroom and is under investigation for comments she made on Facebook that reflected her religious beliefs about homosexuality.

The nightmare began for Viki Knox, a veteran special education teacher in Union Township, N.J., after she dared—in a post on her personal Facebook webpage—to use terms like “sin,” “immoral behavior,” “perverted spirit” and “cancer” in reference to homosexuality. Knox’s comments were sparked in part by her school’s promotion of October as “LGBT History Month.” Pacific Justice Institute also recently criticized this event because it points students to questionable role models like entertainers Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, and it elevates to “icon” status individuals who would never be deemed historical figures if they were not LGBT.

At a school board meeting last week, LGBT activists chanted “No hate in our state” and are demanding that Knox be fired. Several have suggested that people who share Knox’s religious views cannot be teachers because they will be lax in enforcing anti-bullying laws. Even Gov. Chris Christie has weighed in, calling Knox’s comments “disturbing” and suggesting that teachers should be held to a higher standard in their internet speech than other citizens.

Meanwhile, religious and free speech advocates are concerned about the chilling effect on internet speech from Knox’s case—particularly if she is ultimately fired. PJI president Brad Dacus commented, “Every American who uses Facebook, other social media or the internet in general, should be alarmed by what is happening to Viki Knox. The Supreme Court has ruled for decades that this type of expression on a controversial, public debate is clearly protected by the First Amendment. If Viki loses, we all lose. Whether you agree or disagree with Viki’s views, the right to state your religious or political beliefs on your own Facebook page, blog or Twitter account is too important to become yet another casualty of the culture wars.”

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The Pacific Justice Institute is a non-profit 501(c)(3) legal defense organization specializing in the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties.
P.O. Box 276600 Sacramento, CA 95827-6600
Phone: (916) 857-6900 Fax: (916) 857-6902 Internet: www.pacificjustice.org