Jan 24, 2012
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A 15-year-old Wisconsin boy who wrote an op-ed opposing gay adoptions was censored, threatened with suspension and called ignorant by the superintendent of the Shawano School District, according to an attorney representing the child.
Mathew Staver, the founder of the Liberty Counsel, sent a letter to Superintendent Todd Carlson demanding an apology for “Its unconstitutional and irrational censorship and humiliation” of Brandon Wegner.
Wegner, a student at Shawano High School, was asked to write an op-ed for the school newspaper about whether gays should be allowed to adopt. Wegner, who is a Christian, wrote in opposition. Another student wrote in favor of allowing gays to adopt.
Wegner used Bible passages to defend his argument, including Scripture that called homosexuality a sin.
You can read Wegner’s editorial by clicking here.
After the op-ed was published, a gay couple whose child attend s the high school, complained.
The school immediately issued an apology – stating Wegner’s opinion was a “form of bullying and disrespect.”
“Offensive articles cultivating a negative environment of disrespect are not appropriate or condoned by the Shawano School District,” the statement read. “We sincerely apologize to anyone we may have offended and are taking steps to prevent items of this nature from happening in the future.”
But Staver said what the school system did next was absolutely outrageous. He said the 15-year-old was ordered to the superintendent’s office where he was subjected to hours of meetings and was accused of violating the school’s bullying policy.
“The superintendent called him ignorant and said he had the power to suspend him,” Staver said. “He’s using his position to bully this student. This is absolutely the epitome of intolerance.”
Staver said the boy’s parents were never notified.
At one point, Staver said the superintendent gave him a chance to say he regretted writing the column.
“When Mr. Wegner stated that he did not regret writing it, and that he stood behind his beliefs, Superintendent Carlson told him that he ‘had got to be one of the most ignorant kids to try to argue with him about this topic,’” Staver said.
At that point, Staver said the superintendent told the boy that “we have the power to suspend you if we want to.”
The superintendent allegedly told Wegner that he was personally offended by Wegner’s column.
FOX News & Commentary offered Carlson a chance to address the allegations. He refused to submit to questions, but did say he would send a statement. That statement never arrived.
Staver said Wegner was not trying to cause problems or pick a fight.
“He was asked to write an article in the newspaper overseen by a faculty adviser,” he said, suspecting the superintendent was specifically outraged over the Bible verses Wegner had used.
“The superintendent wants everyone to accept homosexuality as normative and homosexual adoption as something that should be standard practices,” Staver said. “In doing so, he’s belittling the views and the biblical views of many people across this country. He is playing a zero-sum game. He’s not interested in dialogue. He wants to cram his view down the throat of everyone else and will not tolerate an opposing viewpoint.”
Staver said an apology from the superintendent may not suffice – and they may consider taking legal action.
“It was a very intimidating situation for this 15-year-old boy,” he said.”It was uncalled for. He crossed the line. It’s absolutely outrageous and he needs to apologize for his actions.”
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The principle is CLEARLY wrong for asking students to point/counter point and then berating the side disagreed with but…<soapbox> reading the papers, the pro sites actual statistics using clear objectivity based on the stats, the con sites….Leviticus. Gotta do better than that, if you live by Leviticus then surely you don't eat shellfish, go to the daily stoning, and sit around while your slaves do everything for you. Cherry picking from a book ridiculously out of touch with the times is not a counter argument because you can't argue against something with no basis on todays reality or social issues. They all thought the world was flat and at the center of universe back then too. </soapbox>
Very well said Dave.
Where's the TOLERANCE Mr. superintendent! Why don't you hand out a handbook next year (if you still have a job) on the proper student opinions that may be exhibited!
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how caan this bee free??
Heather,
I apologize, but I don't have a clue what you're talking about. Please forgive me. I just don't remember what I did.
Maybe a dick up his ass might change the position of the superintendent toward the student's viewpoint.
Reality checks do wonders.
You sound like a man of experience in this regard,John. But please keep your past fun times and/or your fantasies to yourself. They arent relevant in this discussion.
Richard Notizia Hey richard, freedom of speech is what it is all about.
John, Two words, hateful and immature!
Terri McCarthy But it is the core of the controversy. Neither hateful nor immature, not intellectual either. Just a simple truth that no one wants to discuss. The sex act defined leads to the viewpoint that homosexuality is a sin of biblical proportions.
John Demirjian Why then should heterosexual sex be viewed any different? That is unnatural to homosexuals. To each his own.
Terri McCarthy Simple answer. Homosexuals cannot procreate. That's the standard.
John Demirjian What your saying is that all sexual acts between heterosexuala are specifically for procreation. If not, is it then unnatural or deviant sex? A lot of heterosexuals are in big trouble by your standards.
Terri McCarthy The subject is adoption and the objection is to not having a family structure where there is one father and one mother. The family is the cornerstone of our society. Without it, who knows what surprises we're in for. I like the current status of one woman and one man to make up a couple suitable for adoption in the long run. Sodomy is still sodomy.
people let's NOT forget something here about your bible: it's also says it;s alright for the MAN OF THE HOUSE to BEAT his wife & children if they DON'T do as he says…..it's also says, that it's ALRIGHT to OWN SLAVES…..just because says these things DON'T make it right…..and I am SICK to death of BIBLE THUMPERS thinking it's alright to SHOVE religion DOWN everyone's throats…..and it being their ONLY arguement AGAINST gays……guess you ALL want to turn back the clock to when we had SLAVES and NO WOMEN'S RIGHTS.
and I noticed those speaking against the bible being used…..forgot something HUGE: isn't DIVORCE a sin? yet, NO ONE jumps on their soap boxes and starts PREACHING the good word.
and just so all you bible thumpers know: the MORE shove it in MY face, the MORE I want NOTHING to do with religion.
go crawl BACK under your dark rocks….and let those who WANT to truely be HAPPY, be HAPPY…..also GAYS AREN'T HARMING ANYONE.
alisa
Gays rape plenty of people all across America. Just go look at the statistics to see this! You are a liar. Furthermore, this homosexual enabler IS harming this heterosexual student! At least be honest!
Denny have you never heared the live and let live,if i had as much hate in me i would so get help
Thanks Alisa, very good point. Some of what the bible supported are sins in themselves, also against the law in our day and age. So, people, please stop using the bible as an exuse for intolerance and hatred. Unfortunately that what this young man did in his article. Ofcourse he left out the right to beat your wife and children and own slaves. OUTDATED MUCH……
your very welcome, Terri McCarthy….just calling it like i see it…..gays DON'T harm ANYONE….it's the CLOSED-MIDED HATERS that DO HARM OTHERS…..give it a break Denny Rice
I for one find the tolerance being forced upon straight people towards gay couples, gays who adopt, and the like offensive. just as they have the right to be open and free about what they believe so too should the people who oppose it.
Only the gays do not preach intolerance of straight couples to adopt.
Can we get this superidiot's e-mail address?
Yes. seanbutler@imasuperidiot.com
Since this is coming from the Liberty Counsel, I don't believe this even happened.Or it certainly did not happen the way they are describing. And while I am at it I am so tired of " Christians" crying discrimination when their views are attacked. They have been attacking the LGBT people for years and getting away with it and when the shoe is on the other foot they go crying to mommy. Grow up and realize that your old fashioned views are on the wrong side of history.
Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you
I don't know how outraged I am about the PERSECUTION of this innocent boy exercising his constitutional right of Freedom of Speech when asked to with about gay adoption, which doesn't even need to be taught as curriculum if it is ONLY INDOCTRINATED as a positive attribute without criticism or dissent. That is Homosexual Fascism by the State. That is Sodom and Gomorrah right around the corner. If it had been my kid, I probably would have gone to the school and may SURE ALL HEARD MY VOICE when I told him he can go to Hell if he repents not from encouraging young people to become or advance the causes of them trying homosexuality like the Man Boy Love Associate. They can all go PHUCK THEMSELVES!
I think they take this anti bulling law to far now don't believe that one child should bully another one but voicing your opion is not bulling.now here's my opion we are the only nation in history to allow same sex marriage and we will fall for that people need to read there bibles and find out what happened to two great cities sodom and gomorrah they were destroyed for there homosexuailty and wickedness.
Here are the facts, from a local source. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20120115/GPG0101/201150609/Gay-debate-hits-home-Shawano
This article is purposefully written to make conservatives mad.
Ignorant is the man that interrogates a 15-yr old child who knows God’s teachings. Courage is Brandon, whom was requested to take a position and takes the opportunity to dig into God's word and educate rather than folding to a lawless society.
Carlson should have told Brandon, good job, and then open dialogue to the child that was for gay adoption to find out why or how he/she came to this conclusion. He/She needs to be loved too. That child could be victim of the bondage or knows a family member that is and is just trying to be compassionate, but only knows how by what society has taught him rather than what God’s teachings are.
With that said, what type of impression do you think Carlson left on the entire student body and the eductational staff? Do you think they will say something to two girls/boys kissing or holding hands in the hall way? Maybe, probably not in fear that they will lose their jobs. What do you think the staff will say when a child comes up to them and says "I think I'm gay."? Out of fear, probably not teach them the bondage of the gay lifestyle, but rather say "Are you sure?" and "Whatever makes you happy." in fear of stepping on toes and losing their job. Carlson, this is scare tactic is bullying your staff and brain washing America's children to think marriage is not needed any more. This thinking is completely wrong and out of conduct. I know because I lived this bondage for 19yrs of my life and am now fighting to raise my son up to be a soldier for Christ, to love all, but not accept all acts of man. I will pray for Carlson, his staff, and the student body under him.
Look at the real story (http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20120115/GPG0101/201150609/Gay-debate-hits-home-Shawano) and then look at all the things that are only conjecture on the part of an attorney intending to sue the school board and then add in that the school is not allowed to talk about school discipline outside of formal channels to protect THE STUDENT and you will see that exactly nothing happened to this kid. In fact, the person who is really in trouble is the teacher who allowed something that was hurtful to be published without asking for edits. Gods words are not supposed to be a weapon with which to attack and burn. The kid didn't mean to do that, but he did, because he's a kid and he's still being taught how to operate in a world of people who aren't exactly like you.
Patrick Lewis Thanks Patrick
Patrick Lewis Thanks Patrick
Tolerance goes both ways… Bottom line, the "gay rights" agenda has so taken over our society that no one else has any say, any free speech, the right to an opinion or their own beliefs. It's not just "gay rights" either, it's fringe radicalism of all kinds. Under the guise of tolerance, we have outlawed normality, and anything traditional. And heaven forfend anyone use any common sense, and insult a crazy person. And it's not a liberal or conservative thing, it's a stupid people in charge thing. Because the radicals who harass funerals of service people are the same kind of crazy as the liberal crazies.
I've had plenty of gay friends, and none of them are as butt-crazy as the people constantly starting trouble and applying double standards. I have plenty of liberal friends, and atheist friends; you don't see them taking offense at anything and everything and sueing everyone on the planet.
We really need to bring back tarring and feathering and running people out of town. And we need limits to how much a lawyer can collect in lawsuits, and we need the frivilous lawsuit laws enforced. And this anonymous complaint thing needs to stop. You are allowed to face your accuser – if your accuser won't come forward, they aren't serious.
And the biggest thing – we need to stop this, one asshat complains and that means everyone else on the planet has to conform to their views. Merely anonymously, or even not anonymously saying "I am offended," does not give you any right to harass other people. And trust me, we don't want to go down that road. Because stupid people offend me, and usless we're going to drown them all, I suggest a mere complaint of "offended" should not initiate any action…
Political Correctness was invented in the basement of the Kremlin to undermine Democracies and we're letting it get the best of us over an inherently wrong deviant behavior!
BEHAVIOR, deviant or otherwise, has never been a right of any kind nor could it ever be. AND WTH are deviants doing with a child! They gave up that responsiblity with the choice of bahavior they made!
"The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who in times of great moral crises maintain their neutrality." – Dante.
Sorry Cw, it's not a choice, it's how they were born. Do the research!
Sorry Cw, it's not a choice, it's how they were born. Do the research!
Punishing the student is a violation of the student's free speech; doesn't matter if it offends someone or not. Our constitution doesn't provide us with "the right to not be offended." That would be ridiculous.
However, the student needs to look into research, where he will absolutely find that many animals are BORN gay, not just humans; it has been documented. Pretty certain that a fish doesn't have the complex thinking skills that humans have, and that a fish wouldn't "decide" to "sin" and be gay.
The girl's article was much more eloquently written, and she presents a viable standpoint for equality and human rights.
Getting this superintendant fired is ridiculous – yes, he made a stupid and rash decision to punish this student. But I'm pretty sure your idea of God doesn't want you to get someone fired for doing something dumb. What a mean and heartless way to react.
Thanks Sean and Jessica, The girls article did not include anything about hatred and condemnation as the boy's did.
His editorial argued that gay people are to be put to death and that is why gay people shouldn't adopt.
Where is the ACLU? Have they been informed yet?
Hoping some people are still following this article.
We can all debate all day, and night long on the right vs. wrong, good vs. evil, atheist vs. theologian, sin vs. non sin, tolerance vs. non-tolerance, hypocrite vs. righteousness concerning LGBT's and gay adoption until hell freezes over with no discernible positive outcome from anyones point of view. Yet we're losing focus on what the real issue is here about the op-ed piece in question: Is it censorship?
Unequivocally the answer has to be a resounding, “NO”! No one is violating his rights to free speech. It is not censorship of Brandon's point of view because Brandon was simply 'invited' to offer a piece about a particular topic to a media source. He does not have any Constitutionally guaranteed right that his piece WILL be published. How many of you have submitted an Op-Ed piece to your local paper and either had it “modified” or flat out rejected? A news paper is not a media that guarantees a podium from which one has a voice. It is rather a venue in which readers hear points of view. Those points of view may well reflect the “owners” own political perspective. As such they ultimately bear responsibility for “what” is published. If they feel an opinion offered can be deemed inflammatory, by their own judgment, they bear some burden of responsibility for the content. If not legally, at least ethically. These perspectives are always subjective.
What I find here in nearly all of these comments thrusting 'outrage' for censorship is seemingly quite spurious. How many of you are Rush Limbaugh, Ditto-dead-heads? I suspect a great number of you.
I have another question for you. Once upon a time, I too followed and believed Rush's rhetoric; back when I was much younger, and naivety had more of my emotional control that rational thought did. That was before I learned how to think for myself and let some over-blown, ego-maniacal, self-aggrandizing wind bag do it for me. However, there is one Rush Tenet I remember well. He used to rant about how the 'lefties' always wanted to have their say and complain over not being able to say it. Having no venue from which to be heard. It was a time when he first started talking about the “truth detectors” and fairness in broadcasting (The Fairness Doctrine). His argument against such tactics was simple, he effectively poised it as not being censorship of opposition, nor a violation of free speech. He always touted, a person has “every right to say what they want to, but, they DO NOT have the right to be heard”. And, he's right about that! And, that is exactly what we have in this op-ed piece. Where Brandon is attempting to make his pitch, drawing from his socio-political-religious beliefs, bears him NO right to insist on having that opinion heard. Especially if that opinion is thought to be harmful, inciting, demeaning, or out of normal discourse. The controllers of that news paper have every right to sanction his rhetoric in which ever way they wish, barring violation of any other of Brandon's rights.
So, again the last question is this: How do you, as a Ditto-dead-head reconcile the idea that Brandon somehow has a non-existent “right” to be heard, over the actual right to free speech that offers no such quarter to captivate and impale an audience to such nonsense, when your fearless leader has proffered the same notion against those of his/your opposition?
The only thing that these school official's did wrong in this case is the over the top response to making it a personal attack against Brandon's character by claiming him “ignorant”, and qualified him for suspension from school.
good thoughts dawn
good thoughts dawn
Truth be known, the "school" administrators were part of the Fascist mob which trashed the capitol last year.
Censoring is what Fascists do. Alas, Americans have allowed them to take control of government schools.
Destruction of a free republic from within~nothing new [but, alas, new to us].
Truth be known, the "school" administrators were part of the Fascist mob which trashed the capitol last year.
Censoring is what Fascists do. Alas, Americans have allowed them to take control of government schools.
Destruction of a free republic from within~nothing new [but, alas, new to us].
The queers have infiltrated our educational system in outstanding numbers.I refuse to call a queer(odd, immoral) lifestyle gay. Webster did not put it in his original dictionary and I will not choose to use it in my writings. The goal of this dangerous faction is to use the educational tactic to control the direction of America. A queer has the right to their chosen lifestyle but they do not have the right to impose their lack of values on our children.Eventually, our congress instead of saying the ayes or nayes have it they will state that the queers have it.
eddie, what is most shocking is that you were an educator! lol what a loser
Liberal ideology demands; agree with us or your intolerant, racial, or now bullying. Carlson has made several critical Leadership missteps and the Board should take action. See Shawano School District, Bullying 443.10 online: In a nut-shell: Bullying includes aggressive or hostile behavior that is intentional and involves an imbalance of power between the bully and the bullied. It is typically repeated over time. Bullying is a form of victimization and is not necessarily a result of or part of an ongoing conflict.
This was not bullying, it was two students submitting two distinct view points for the school paper. We can, and should be able to agree to disagree on points of view that can be controversial. I stand with Mr. Wegner for being 15; I applaud his unwavering and bold stance. He understands 2 Samuel 22:33.
Once again if you don't agree with "them" then you're wrong. Another example of persecution of Christians.
Home schooling is the best. Teach truth then show what others think so they have all info. While I feel for children in Public School they are not my responsibility period. It all starts at home. This child would do wonderful things if he could also home school. We all have one and this is mine.
I wonder if the student had been a Muslim—-and had used quotes from the Koran to explain his "opinion"—whether he would have been treated the same way. I highly doubt it.
Lech Dharma – Are you serious? He would've been treated WORSE! People would say "oh go figure a Muslim would say that." Or something like that.
Very good point.
Kelly Calder I could be very wrong, but it is my perception that school districts are much more afraid of being labeled "islamophobic"—or racist—than "anti-Christian." From the limited information in the story, it seems that the boy's refusal to recant his faith-based (fundamental Christian) opinon about gay marriage is what got him suspended. I doubt the school administration would do that to a Muslim.
Lech Dharma Schools don't want any religion in the hallways – they don't care what it is. I guarantee you the school would do that to a Muslim. Nice try though…
Matthew 5:11
CHRISTians are meant to be persecuted, for anything and everything they do in Jesus Christ's name.
What the superintendent did was wrong, and he should be punished for it. Freedom of speech is an important American value. Brandon's article however was laughable ignorant, making several fallacious arguments. But he's fifteen and can be excused for not realizing the implications of his reasoning.
To expand on that a little, the argument that because only 11 states recognize same sex marriage homosexuals should not be able to adopt is fallacious as marriage isn't a prerequisite for adoption AND, what about where it is legal? The argument that it says so in the bible is fallacious because the bible doesn't have power over public policy and law, this being the US where freedom of and from religion is just as important a value as freedom of speech. The argument that a child needs a mother and a father is also fallacious because single people can and do adopt or have children.
Oh, and the Bible quote is even more fallacious because it's cherry picking. That passage also says gay men (not lesbians) should be stoned to death. So you can't follow one part of it and then deny the other. To be a good Christian in that regard, you have to want gay men stoned to death.
Also, we don't withhold adoption from people who work on Sunday or are of religions other than Christian, so again, homosexuality being a sin in some sects of Christianity doesn't support banning homosexuals from adopting.
Brandon Abbott Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you Brandon! Very well written. It's nice to hear a kind, accepting voice of reason.
seems to me the superintendent violated his own bullying policy. Getting someone smaller, and less powerful alone with the intent to harass and intimidate – that is bullying.
The kid's a knucklehead. I read his op-ed. He states that Jesus made it clear that homosexuality is a sin and a child shouldn't be raised in that environment when in fact Jesus never said anything about homosexuality. This kid is seriously uninformed for someone who professes to be true believer in the Bible, and I did find myself wondering if he's ever eaten shellfish (also an abomination) or mixed different types of clothing or done any sort of work on the Sabbath. I mean, the list goes on. Nevertheless, he was asked for his opinion and he gave it and therefore should not be punished for expressing it.
Thanks Carla!
Very proud of him for writing the truth!
Goodby to Todd Carlson and the whole school board. The Shawano School Dist will be lucky if it survives the cost of the litigation of this case. Mr. Carlson, you need to do the write thing before it's to late. Apologize to Mathew Staver and review your only High Schools' policies. The request came from the staff, and it looks like his 1st Amendment view of the subject was expressed in a clear way. Over 70% of this country aline themselves as being Christian. And Mr. Staver did a great job expressing that view.
Goodby Todd Carlson. By the time your school district gets through paying the legal bills you will pile up for defending yourself and the district, there will not be enough money in your city to have the ability to teach students at all. Much less about the 1st Amendment, which it appears you to be a right only liberals enjoy. Hitler would be proud of you. All you need to do is appoligize to Mr. Staver.
It appears that two students were asked to express their views on homosexuals being given the right to adopt. You can see that both students approached this subject carefully and with a great deal of thought. It left their audience with facts that they can then ponder. Good job, for 15 yr. olds tackling a tough subject! For that, I think they should get a pat on the back for expressing their views so well. As for the paper presentation itself, I thought the lay out was good. I like how they took a picture of the students in a boxing stance and placed in in the middle of the page. It was a good idea that lightened up the mood of the articles. So, kuddos to the kids!
As for a follow up, why not have parents that have adopted children, both homosexual, hetrosexual couples, and how about singles too, give a panel discussion at the school? That would be very interesting for the students to hear and digest.
I feel the Superintendent he was way out of line. Since when does only one point of view count? If that was the case why ask for opposing ideas in the first place? This Superintendent needs to apologize to the student for his remarks. He then should submit an article, for the newspaper, that tells the students why he reacted the way he did, why that was the wrong thing to do, and what he should have done differently.
Of course, the School Board will need to discuss this and come up with their own recommendations too.
Sensible response
Daniel Labby
President
labbyd@ssd.wi.k12.us
Business Address: 1050 S. Union St
Shawano WI 54166.
Business Phone: (715) 526-2192 Ext. 8300
Business Fax: (715) 526-5037.
school board member.
Board Members
Meet our current board members.
Daniel Labby
President
labbyd@ssd.wi.k12.us
Business Address: 1050 S. Union St
Shawano WI 54166.
Business Phone: (715) 526-2192 Ext. 8300
Business Fax: (715) 526-5037.
——————————————————————————————————
Gary Cumberland
First Vice President.
cumberg@ssd.k12.wi.us
Business Address: Shawano School District.
218 County Rd B.
Shawano WI 54166.
Business Phone: 715-526-3194 Ext.8006.
Even though I believe anyone can be a parent….I do also believe in country
I always thought that an editorial was written to support something you believe in. This boy should be commended for standing up for what he believes. He deserves and apology letter printed on the front page of the school paper. This so called principal should be fired. It was not long ago the other boy would have been told this and had he done the same thing, that principal would have been fired. I think free speach is just that we are free to spreak what we believe. Whether I agree with this boy or not he has a right to be heard, things have swung to far the other way.
Mr. Labby,
Sir, I am not in your school district however I am writing this today to tell you that as an american citizen of the United States of America I demand an apology to Mr. Brandon Wegner and that superintendent Todd Carlson should be terminated immediately, the threat of suspension and name calling as ignorant was cruel and degrading treatment and punishment for ones religious beliefs and freedom of speech.
Superindent Carlson violated Mr. Wegners constitutional rights with his intimidation and bullying attacks. Mr. Wegner was asked for op ed piece and was outrageously attacked for his opposing views on homosexuality. And to educate our educators with the truth, a comment from article stated this: AND THE HUMAN RACE WOULD NOT BE IN EXISTENCE IF HOMOSEXUAL REPRODUCTION WAS THE "norm".
Mr. Wegner was within his rights to voice his opinion and his rights were violated and as such would like this resolved with an apology by the Shawano School District and termination of superintendent Todd Carlson.
I would like to hear back from you on this matter as to what the School District intends to do.
Concerned American Citizen.
SENT 01/25/12 TO PRESIDENT DANIEL LABBY labby@ssd.k12.wi.us.
what I find interesting about the two essays is that the kid who wrote in favor of gay adoptions uses a lot of statistics. He says he's not commenting about gays, he's just addressing the issue of kids who need to be adopted and he references statistics on numbers of kids in foster care, how they do in school , etc. The kid who wrote against gay adoptions doesn't use statistics, its basically just his opinion as a Christian. He says things like ' studies demonstrate' but doesn't say where he got the information. ( Does anyone really believe that studies have shown that fathers teach structure and mothers teach right from wrong?) The only person he quotes is the Chairman of the Family Research Institute, an anti gay group. Even there, he doesn't reference a study, just someones opinion. He says that Jesus detests homosexuality but then quotes Leviticus, which, as a Christian he should know, came before Jesus was even born. I don't think a kid should be suspended for voiceing his opinion unless his opinion advocates violence , but I think his essay is pretty poorly written.
Statistics? It was jibberish writen thousands of years ago!
01/25/12
Gary Cumberland
First Vice President.
Mr. Cumberland,
I am not in your school district, however as an American citizen I demand an apology to Mr. Wegner and that superintendent Todd Carlson be terminated immediately. The threat of suspension and name calling of ignorant was an outrageous act of cruelty and degrading treatment for ones religious beliefs.
Superintendent Carlson violated Mr. Wegners constitutional rights by bullying and severe intimidation. Mr. Wegner was asked for Op Ed piece and was attacked for his opposing views on homosexuality. Mr. Wegner was within his rights to voice his opinion. And as a comment from another wrote, AND THE HUMAN RACE WOULD NOT BE IN EXISTENCE IF HOMOSEXUAL REPRODUCTION WAS THE "NORM".
I am sure you know many are very upset as this young mans freedom of religion and freedom of speech has been violated and we are asking many to contact Shawano School District for this wrong to be righted.
I would appreciate your response and views and yes the intentions of Shawano School District.
Concerned American Citizen.
EMAIL SENT TO GARY CUMBERLAND FIRST VICE PRESIDENT AT cumberg@ssd.k12.wi.us.
I disagree with this kid as is my right, but I support his right to his opinions. If someone disagrees you should have a discussion to see if you can find a common ground, if you cannot then you simply accept that you are going to disagree. What you do not do is bully and threaten them. The Superintendent should check the man in the mirror before accusing others of ignorance!
In reading these comments I find it funny that people will call this man gay and a fudgepacker and state how the boy who wrote the article was right in his views. Do you realize you are pushing for tolerance of this boys views but at the same time showing intolerance to everyone who doesn't share your beliefs?! These comments should focus on the actions! Not what beliefs caused these actions. If this were the other way around and the pro gay article was in question it would be equally wrong.
Thanks Jeffrey for the intelligent comment!
01/25/12
Todd Carlson
Superintendent
I am not in the Shawano School District, but I am a very concerned American citizen. I am appalled that a student, Brandon Wegner was outrageously attacked with the threat of suspension and name calling of being ignorant for his opposing views on homosexuality. This attack was cruel and degrading treatment and punishment for Mr. Wegners religious beliefs and free speech. I as well as others would like to see the Shawano School District apologize to Mr. Wegner and you Superintendent Todd Carlson should resign immediately and if not I am in hopes that the board will terminate your employment.
American Citizen
EMAIL SENT TO SUPERINTENDENT TODD CARLSON carlsot@ssd.k12.wi.us.
Brandon is pretty ignorant. Our government, for example, is not based off of the Bible, generally or otherwise. If our system of government was based off of the law of the bible, then we would not have the religious freedom which we all enjoy. If you disagree, please show me some scriptural passages instructing the faithful to respectfully tolerate those of other faiths.
Brandon’s ignorance, however, is not limited to merely U.S. history. He is also ignorant about the content of the Holy Scripture he claims to revere. Jesus never states homosexuality is a detestable act. Likewise, everyone knows that Leviticus is one of those books that Christians ignore. If Christians actually respect the contents of Leviticus, then Christians would all have beards and abstain from eating lobster.
After this, I decided not to read any more of his article. There is only so much ignorance I can handle in a single day.
Brandon is pretty ignorant. Our government, for example, is not based off of the Bible, generally or otherwise. If our system of government was based off of the law of the bible, then we would not have the religious freedom which we all enjoy. If you disagree, please show me some scriptural passages instructing the faithful to respectfully tolerate those of other faiths.
Brandon’s ignorance, however, is not limited to merely U.S. history. He is also ignorant about the content of the Holy Scripture he claims to revere. Jesus never states homosexuality is a detestable act. Likewise, everyone knows that Leviticus is one of those books that Christians ignore. If Christians actually respect the contents of Leviticus, then Christians would all have beards and abstain from eating lobster.
After this, I decided not to read any more of his article. There is only so much ignorance I can handle in a single day.
Regardless, Brandon is free to share his ignorance in such a manner. One of the prices of living in a free society is that ignorant people are allowed to speak freely.
I am a liberal, and am appalled at the behavior of the superintendent. I thought the two articles pro/con gay adoption were quite well done. I found the pro article made a better case, but then I'm an atheist and so don't care about the biblical arguments. I think the right approach would have been to continue the series of articles. The right answer to speech you disagree with is more speech, not censorship.
YEAH Wegner…..one man and one woman….you are exactly right!
Holy Smokes! If you read both Brandon's and Maddie's writings, the first thought that might come to mind is: WOW! What intelligent, well-spoken kids! Scholastically speaking, both should have recieved an A+ for their excellent research and writing. I give them both applause for their great work! That Brandon is experiencing such abuse over his article is criminal. This situation is something we might have read about twenty years ago as having occured in the USSR! But no, this is happening in the United States of America, where we all have the freedom of speech! Or do we.. Wake up, America! Our rights are being stripped from us. This situation should not be ignored!
I am offended by this but also some of the radical responses I have just read. Does it not seem plausible to the "right-wings" out there that the student, yes, was in the right but maybe, just maybe, people who have different opinions than this student or you aren't what's ruining this country? Freedom of speech is for everyone and I'm sure the "liberals" wouldn't get so mad if people could express their opinion without attacking anyone simply because they are different. I would also like to point out how very many "right-wings" I have heard get blisteringly mad over anyone sueing because they didn't like what that person said and it "hurt their feelings". If you don't like "liberals" sueing over what you believe in then how does this make you any better? (and just so we're clear, I am on this kid's side, I just wanted to point out the hypocrisy of it all.)
The problem Superintendent Carlson faced was, to him, very difficult. The problem was the assignment of a 'hot button' issue for pro-con discussion. Exactly what did Carlson expect the opposing position to be? Based on his statements to the child, ANY opposition would be considered "bullying," this despite the fact that the editorial did not attack any particular student. Of course, Carlson could not castigate the teacher in the same manner as he terrorized the child. The adult would not tolerate it, the teacher's union would strike over it, and the teacher is protected by TENURE. Attacking people here for their position on gay adaption or religion is missing the issue. The issue is the failure of the school administration to handle the complaint properly. The purpose of the exercise was to encourage students to examine issues and frame arguments thoughtfully. Something Carlson obviously needs to work on himself. Of course, this interferes with what many liberal educators believe their mission actually should be. They want to INDOCTRINATE children with their beliefs, rather than to educate them with facts. Carlson was undoubtedly angered by this distraction from his important tasks, such as counting students to secure state and federal education funds and creating complex busing arrangements to move students away from their neighborhood schools (and neighborhood children) to distant schools it takes hours each day to reach. All in the name of DIVERSITY, despite the glaring fact that there is no evidence that DIVERSITY has resulted in any increase in testing scores. This is just another example of the failure of our education system. The focus on political correctness at the expense of actual education, the use of trash such as Al Gore's fictional documentary on the pseudoscience of man-made global warming, the wholesale re-writing of history, and the abandonment of difficult, but essential skills, such as manual calculation of mathematics (use a calculator instead) and spelling (that's what spell checkers are for). It's only a matter of time before Eubonics resurfaces. No wonder the Indian and Asian students are passing us in every area of education, and rapidly overtaking us in technology. The child was an easy target, especially when his parents were not informed of the interrogation. No intelligence was involved in the Superintendent's actions. Another example of "Zero Tolerance" policies, which should be called "Zero Intelligence" as such policies rarely further education or justice. Another victim of public schools.. another child whose love of learning was crushed by incompetent administrators. This is what happens when education is designed to avoid "offending' any fringe group or hypersensitive individual, despite the radical nature of their positions. Students should be taught tolerance and the schools should practice it. This means allowing students to freely express opinions and helping them state these opinions in a logical, thoughtful manner. Thomas Jefferson wrote that the Freedom Of Religion clause was intended to allow for the free, public expression of a religious belief, not the wholesale exclusion of all religion. The community needs to fire the Board and the Superintendent and put people in with a focus on education, not indoctrination, and the guts to make intelligent decisions to further this focus.
How about waiting until the facts are known before drawing conclusions and proposing drastic actions? This news report is based on the comments of an attorney. That should be enough to cause reasonable people to want to wait for more information.