October 22, 2011

Not-So-Free Speech in New Jersey

By Jan LaRue
Who can say "gay" isn't okay in New Jersey?  Judging by Gov. Chris Christie's actions, teachers can't. Christie told CNN's Piers Morgan on June 15 that he doesn't think homosexuality is a sin even though his religion does.  To be sure that the citizens of New Jersey are aware of Christie's beliefs, the interview and transcript are posted on the official New Jersey website.  Okay, that's his opinion.  But read on. New Jersey high school teacher Viki Knox may have been inspired by Christie's comments to think that it was okay for a New Jersey public employee to express an opinion about homosexuality, as if the First Amendment is alive and well in New Jersey. Knox believes that homosexuality is a sin.  She posted her belief -- not on an official school web site, but on her personal Facebook page.  The Union High School District is investigating Knox to determine if she violated school policies. If Knox's First Amendment rights aren't shed at the schoolhouse...(Read Full Article)