Anti-Gay NJ Teacher Could Be Fired Following Faith-Led Facebook Comments
A New Jersey school teacher may lose her job after an investigation into her alleged anti-gay Facebook comments is complete.
Viki Knox, who advises a Bible study group at the Union Township school district, is expected to be fired after reportedly condemning homosexuality on the social networking site, according to The Star-Ledger of Newark.
In October, The Christian Post had reported that Knox, who openly opposes homosexuality based on her Christian faith, had received support from various Christian groups including the Alliance Defense Fund, a Christian nonprofit organization.
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After learning that Knox, 50, had been punished for her comments, ADF argued that she had a right to free speech, suggesting that she was protecting her religious beliefs.
Knox is accused of posting what gay rights groups have condemned as offensive statements on Facebook.
"Why parade your unnatural immoral behaviors before the rest of us?” she wrote, calling homosexuality “a perverted spirit” and “sin” that “breeds like cancer.”
After a series of complaints, Knox was immediately suspended and many suspect she will be let go for discrimination.
"Every student, no matter what race, creed, color or sexual orientation ought to be able to come to school and feel comfortable in a learning environment that's welcoming and nurturing," the school board's president Francis R. Perkins told NJ.com.
"We trust teachers to treat students with respect and to deal with them appropriately," he added.
Although Knox has since spoken out, assuring critics that her views come from "love,” and hold no malice, gay rights activists are demanding that she be fired.
In the Facebook group Fire Viki Knox, the activists use it as a platform to vent their frustrations and demonize the teacher who is currently still on leave.
Tenure charges were filed in December, though it is unclear when education officials will decide on Knox's fate.
