Parents Rally When Teacher Who Was Forced to Resign Over Transgender Policy Decides to Fight Back
By Bizpac Review. An Indiana high school teacher is accusing school administrators of putting a “financial gun” to his head over their transgender policy.
John Kluge was ordered to comply with the school district’s policy on transgender students or give up his job as a faculty member of Brownsburg High School , according to WTHR. . .
The issue has divided the community as was seen in an emotional school board meeting on Monday where it was announced that Kluge’s resignation had been approved, FOX 59 reported. Angry parents voiced their concerns and berated the school board for a policy some said they did not even know existed.
15-year old Aidyn Sucec, whom I interviewed Friday for @rtv6, is also here.
He’s one of several trans students who say Kluge refused to call him by his chosen name, opting instead to use last names for everyone. pic.twitter.com/upKkCeciX3
— Matthew McClellan (@mcclellantv) June 11, 2018
A former student, now studying music education in college, says “Mr. Kluge is the teacher Brownsburg needs.” Calls him overqualified for his job, knowledgeable and fair. Says he cares for each of his students. pic.twitter.com/9Uf3GNQlHm
— Matthew McClellan (@mcclellantv) June 11, 2018
Jeff Gracie says he’s disappointed in the school board’s decision to terminate Kluge, and that parents were left out of the process when transgender naming policy was enacted. “This rises to the level of you guys losing your seats. You work for us.” pic.twitter.com/WQmlIbxxTD
— Matthew McClellan (@mcclellantv) June 11, 2018
“I’m sorry I know I sound like I’m ticked off because I am I’m fed up with this stuff from you guys. You are our elected officials. You work for us and the administration works for you so that makes you all responsible,” parent Jeff Gracie said. (Read more from “Parents Rally When Teacher Who Was Forced to Resign Over Transgender Policy Decides to Fight Back” HERE)
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Brownsburg Teacher Claims Religious Convictions Cost Him His Job
By WTHR. . .Rhonda Echard’s daughter just graduated from Brownsburg High School. Although she respects the teacher’s religious beliefs, she said “If you are teaching in a public school situation, then maybe your personal beliefs should not be at the forefront.”
“I see where he is coming from, but I think that is getting in the way of his job and what he signed up to do,” said Samantha McKinney, an 8th grader. She said she has transgender friends.
The controversy caught the attention of the Trevor Project, a national organization working to prevent suicide among LGBTQ young people.
“Youth are at high risk when they don’t feel respected, when they are feeling all these types of stigma and discrimination,” said Sam Brinton, who directs the Trevor Project’s advocacy programs.
Brownsburg schools would not discuss Kluge’s allegations. (Read more from “Brownsburg Teacher Claims Religious Convictions Cost Him His Job” HERE)
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