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Report: Ohio teacher burned cross on kids' arms
Published Friday, June 20, 2008
MOUNT VERNON, Ohio (AP) — A public school teacher preached his Christian beliefs despite complaints by other teachers and administrators and used a device to burn the image of a cross on students' arms, according to a report by independent investigators.
Mount Vernon Middle School teacher John Freshwater also taught creationism in his science class and was insubordinate in failing to remove a Bible and other religious materials from his classroom, the report said.
School board members were scheduled to meet Friday afternoon to discuss the findings by consulting firm H.R. On Call Inc., hired by the district to investigate. The report was released Thursday.
School Superintendent Stephen Short wouldn't comment on the report before Friday's meeting, his office said. A message seeking comment was left for Freshwater's attorney, Roger Weaver.
The report comes one week after a family filed a federal lawsuit in Columbus against Freshwater and the school district, saying Freshwater burned a cross on their child's arm that remained for three or four weeks.
Freshwater's friend Dave Daubenmire defended him.
"With the exception of the cross-burning episode ... I believe John Freshwater is teaching the values of the parents in the Mount Vernon school district," he told The Columbus Dispatch in a story published Friday.
Several students interviewed by investigators described Freshwater, who has been employed by the school district for 21 years, as a great guy.
But Lynda Weston, the district's director of teaching and learning, told investigators that she has dealt with complaints about Freshwater for much of her 11-year term at the district, the report said.
A former superintendent, Jeff Maley, said he tried to find another position for Freshwater but couldn't because Freshwater was certified only in science, the report said.
Freshwater used a science tool known as a high-frequency generator to burn images of a cross on students' arms in December, the report said. Freshwater told investigators he simply was trying to demonstrate the device on several students and described the images as an "X," not a cross. But pictures show the images depict a cross, the report said.
Other findings show that Freshwater taught that carbon dating was unreliable to argue against evolution.
Comments
Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on June 20, 2008 at 6:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am a born-again believer and follower of Jesus and I applaud anyone who will stand up for the truth that one needs to make Jesus the reigning Lord of their lives, but I must say that if this man truly did burn a cross in a student's arm to force Christianity upon them, then this man is a false-convert. This man does not know the Jesus I know if this is true. Jesus never forced Himself upon anyone and a true born-again believer will not either. Once again, I preface this by saying I hope the allegations are not true, but if they are, then this man needs to be born-again of the Spirit of the living God.
Posted by NtzMom55 (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 5:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe the child needed the cross burned on the forehead!
Posted by ProNatchez (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am a Christian, but I don't believe that religion should be taught in school. If you allow a Christian teacher to teach it, then you also have to allow Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, etc. to teach it as well. The kids don't need all that confusion. They need to be doing their regular studies.
The fact that he would brand the children with any mark at all is reason to lock him in jail forever.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's a funny thing everyone wants GOD out of the school till something happens first person they call on then is Oh GOD help us.......
I agree with you swapmeet....
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Double "DITTO" swapmeet and you too fire. Most people forget about our Father until they need Him to bail them out. Don't you know His heart breaks because of this.
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm tired of worrying about how Muslims feel...how Hindu people feel...etc. They must know THIS country was founded on God. If they disagree with that then get the heck out of my country and go to the country that supports their religion! If I offended one of them, then so be it. But I don't feel it's cool to ask me to delicately consider their feelings when they'd rather me be dead! I'll be dammed!
Last Christmas, a wad of so-called Godly people demanded a town remove the nativity scene from the town square because it offended them. Ooooooh, this fires me up!
Posted by ncogg (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
@ kpage...question what muslim or any other religion that a person believes in; wants you dead??? I am a Christian but i was just wondering???
Posted by Yeahuhuh (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 5:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Kpage -- you can get out of MY country. Your feelings are not important at all.
We don't play favorites with religion here -- by directive of the constitution. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion nor prohibiting the free exercise thereof."
That means if your state or county respects an establishment of religion then that government as a representative of an establishment of religion should not by law receive funds or the protection of the rest of our laws. Just because it was done in the past is irrelevant -- once upon a time we could own slaves, too and that fell out of fashion when we realized how that came off to the victims.
In fact, let's keep government out or religion altogether, because politicians need God far more than God needs politicians. ALL of the ones that claim they know him enough to represent him are probably liars.
You can leave whenever you get your stuff together. If your church can't survive without the help of county, state or national government you might find a better God.
____________
I'm only kidding, but you should really try to empathize a bit with folks of different heritage, especially their kids who have to take flak for being different. It ain't American to snatch up public ground for a religious billboard and it ain't Christian to be insensitive to other people's beliefs.
Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 6:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Muslims aren't coming over here dropping bombs on us...we are going over there dropping bombs on them...so, we must dig deep down inside our own hearts and ask ourselves the question...is it them who want us dead, or us who want them dead? Jesus never told us to bomb anyone, but to lay down our swords. He said we are to live each day as if it were our last...to love our enemy and pray for those who persecute us. If we can't love our muslim brothers, whom we can see, then how can we love God, whom we can not see?
I don't know why that teacher was burning crosses on childrens arms, but that should be reason to dismiss him on the basis of child abuse.
Posted by ghost (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 6:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
this is why i cant stand religion. bunch of wacko's that believe a fairy tale in a book written by who knows. burning a cross on a childs arm!!?! these are the kind of people that are going to hell....these religious radicals. terriorist in my opinion. i am a proud Wiccan and very delighted to see it is one of the fastest growing spiritual amendments in the world.
Posted by ghost (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 6:47 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ghost, I dare you to really open your mind, your eyes and your heart. Try this link:
http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation...
If this man really burned a cross on a child's arm, he is NOT a Christian. Many will say they are, but in the end God will say He never knew them.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 10:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And ghost, I studied Wicca many years ago. You don't consider them extreme religious radicals? You believe in heaven and hell? Paganism has been around longer than Christianity, but much less time than God. For me it failed in all aspects of my life. There is no joy in worshiping the creation when I could worship the Creator.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 11:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
AMEN freedom42.....
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm not knocking anyone's religion except Muslims. It is a TRUTH that they believe if I won't join with them then I'm not worthy of God's love or of living. I challenge anyone to prove this false! Why would anyone welcome these people with open arms? I'm not saying I want these people dead, but they do want me dead!
Peace uttered a false statement. Yes the Muslims have bombed us and chances are, they're not through yet! Who do you think bombed the World Trade Center, our embassies all over the world, Twin Towers, JUST TO NAME A FEW? They weren't Christians or Buddists! It is those of Islamic faith who rejoice when tragedy strikes our country at their hands but they want American rights where they are protected by bleeding hearts. They WANT you to feel this way so they can take over our country. You're falling into their trap! I realize you, Peace, are a good person with a good heart, but think about it for a second...you and I want world peace so bad but we're not going to have it as long as we allow these people to infiltrate our country, have our laws changed to suit their agenda, and eventually turn all things over to Allah.
Posted by ncogg (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
@ kpage... once again those were extreme religious radicals. Every religion just about had those that go over board, I'm talking way left field with it. And you still did not answer my question. You talked about the extreme radicals wrong doing in other places. But what have they done to you??? NOT the United States, but you???
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeahuhhuh...when the Constitution was written, the guys in charge never dreamed those words would support and protect a religion that endorses murder in the name of God. If so, why does the Pledge of Allegience have the words..."one nation, under God.."?
Our government DOES fund a Muslim school!!! Yes indeedy! Our America is paying for a bunch of Muslim kids to learn that it's acceptable to murder us and our children because we don't believe in their religion. I love everybody until they sign my death warrant. Then I am in a defensive mode. My kids lives are more important than their rights. Sorry, but my kids come first.
By all means, do away with Christianity! Bring in the Muslims who want you dead!!! When they're leading our country and decide it's your day to die, who ya gonna call? "Please help me God".
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If those people bombed the world trade center, the twin towers, our country's embassies, numerous planes (commercial and military), American ships (commercial and military), etc...then they HAVE done something to me! I am an American...when they cause mayhem and murder on my American soil or to my American protectors, they are doing it to me, too. Of course there are radicals in every religion...but the WORLDWIDE belief of Muslims is "kill those who don't worship Allah". That's enough for me to be wary.
I hope I'm answering your question, ncogg, but I'm a very patriotic American. When they do their evil deeds, they're not targeting anyone specific...anyone one of us will do...just as long as we are American, they'll rejoice! You don't remember seeing the news footage overseas when 9/11 happened? Those MUSLIMs were partying in the streets screaming "Kill Americans". It's ALL Muslims who feel this way sweetie. If a Muslim tells you different, they're sinning against Allah.
Posted by notabigot (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This guy demonstrated a high frequency generator by burning an x on some of his students arms. He's a science teacher. Some sue happy family decided it looked like a cross, and the reports say it looks like a cross, but I haven't seen any pictures, so I don't know. The COMPLETE AP story can be found on-line, at Fox News and CNN.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 8:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"The Arabic term Akhirah meaning 'Last Day', refers to the appointed day on which Allah will judge people according to their deeds. Two main conditions must be met: belief in the creeds and performance of good works (Quran - 2:25; 29:58; 4:57). Thus, if more than 50% of a person's actions are good, he or she is considered righteous and sent to Paradise, while the wicked are sent to hell." Chedid, Bassam M. Islam: What Every Christian Should Know
Since one of the best things a Muslim can do is kill infidels, meaning anyone who is NOT Muslim, I would say they really want to kill us by any means, including bombing and ramming planes into buildings full of people. After all they use mentally handicapped women to carry their bombs into public places in Iraq. And women mean very little to Muslim men. Polygamy is allowed, women are treated only as objects, a husband may divorce his wife for any reason and all he has to do is say it twice. Women, of course, have no choice in divorce.
Posted by ncogg (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
@ kpage our American government also gave them the ammo to kill too, sweetie.
Posted by ncogg (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 12:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
@ freedom42...great history report!!! But I highly think that the Miss-Lou area is on the top of the list of the next terrorist plot. I mean really is it like number 3 on the to do list after hitting huston and new york. Darn terrorist just don't want us happy, the break into Ferriday City Hall, Steal Signs from building in Natchez, and I just heard that they recruited the cougar that has been sighted lately. Curse them all!!!Your next book assignment is to give a report on the Spanish Inqisition and Christianity. Didn't they have the same beliefs??? HMMM...
Posted by sentas (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 6:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
kpage says: "when the Constitution was written, the guys in charge never dreamed those words would support and protect a religion that endorses murder in the name of God. If so, why does the Pledge of Allegience have the words...'one nation, under God..'?"
The pledge was written more than a hundred years after the Constitution. It was amended during the Eisenhower administration in the 1950s to say "under God."
This country was built on the principle of freedom, religious and otherwise. It was not built on God or religion. Worship how you want, but get your history straight.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You guys can't see the forest for the trees. I will let you believe what you want, and feel sorry for you.
The Spanish Inquisition, like slavery in the U.S., was a long time ago and was very evil. Satan works through whoever he can get to do his work. Including, apparently, you.
Posted by sentas (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, freedom42, of course - Satan is working through the posters on the Natchez Democrat comments board. Because some of us think that (gasp!) there's plenty to teach in schools without ever having to even touch the subject of religion.
Someone's had a little too much coffee this morning.
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks for the heads up, sentas. I was wrong...being humble is hard sometimes!
I still say our forefathers would be shocked at the chaos our country is facing today. I don't believe this is what they had in mind.
Posted by ncogg (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
@ kpage...now i agree with you 100% at the chaos our country is facing today. But at freedom42 yea the devil made get online and try to start a friggin e-beef about religion the Natchez Democrat website, because Google,Yahoo, and Ebay were to good for him. Don't feel sorry for me...feel sorry for yourself and lay off the coffee.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Can't blame it on the coffee guys, cause I don't drink it, or alcohol. Just my opinion, what I believe. You are in America, so you are perfectly free to believe whatever you want.
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