Survey: how do (or should) teachers who believe homosexuality is a sin reconcile that with their job?

Question

OK all, before you get all up in arms, read this first. I am in graduate school for education and we're doing a presentation in a multicultural education class about the LGBT community in America. And because some people believe that homosexuality is morally wrong, and because I think some of those people might be in my class, I think it's important to bring up this topic in the presentation: how does, or should, that teacher reconcile their own personal or religious views of g*y people with the fact that they very well may have g*y or closeted students in their class? Does their religious opinion have no place in that classroom? What if that student asks this teacher for support or advice? This is an open-ended question without a right answer in my mind. I am really just looking for your open and honest opinions, for either side of the issue. Thanks in advance for your candor, and I ask that nobody criticize or slam anyone else's opinion--that's not the point of this!

Answer 1

A good teacher realizes that every child is unique.  A good teacher does not judge a student by gender, race, religion, appearance, or possible sexual orientation.  It is a teacher's job to assist every student in their endeavors to be the best they can be. A good teacher checks her/his prejudices and attitudes at the school door in the morning and then takes them home at night. A good teacher listens to her/his answers and asks: am I putting my own personal slant on this? Is it appropriate for me to do so in this situation? A good teacher finds the right person to answer a student's questions, whether it be a teacher, counselor, nurse, or parent.

There is a reason the framers of the Constitution added the bit about separation of Church and State. The true purpose of public education is to create an informed (and indoctrinated) populace to secure the strength and continuance of the State.  The purpose of religion is similar: to indoctrinate people into a specific view as set forth by a Church hierarchy and to follow rules that are defined as "faith" to perpetuate the practice of that religion.

Answer 2

1.  Legally, due to separation of church and state, a teacher should not share their personal religious views during school hours.

2.  If a student were to ask advice after school hours, I would listen as a compassionate teacher should, then offer the suggestion that the school counselor might be more qualified to answer their questions

3.  Teachers need to remember that they are NOT placed in that position to judge students, but to EDUCATE them.  This does not mean  an education in morals and standards.  Teachers must remember and respect the fact that students come from a variety of backgrounds and family beliefs.  All students are to be treated and educated equally, regardless of sexual preference.  

I would highly suggest that any teacher who have difficulty dealing with homosexual students either come to terms with it and leave it be, or find a different profession.

Answer 3

There are a lot of things that I believe are morally wrong, but those are my beliefs.  I don't treat people any differently because they don't share those beliefs.

I don't teach in a public classroom - I teach private classes - but if I did, my beliefs would not have any bearing on how I treated my students.  My job is to teach my students to reason, to teach them to learn and apply my subject matter, and to prepare them for what they will face later in life.  My job is not to form them into little Mini-Me's; it's not to tell them that they have to believe what I do.

I would very likely not discuss my beliefs with my students, especially in a public high school.  If my coworkers asked, I would be honest with what I believe and why, but it's not my place to discuss that with my students.  Even if I taught an ethics or debate class, I wouldn't bring my own views into it - I would have them research a variety of views, analyze the thoughts and worldviews behind them, and decide for themselves.

My job, as a teacher, is not to promote my own views.  It's to give my students the ability to form their own views, to apply the information in meaningful ways, and to function in their future lives.  

In respectful response to another answer, and strictly for the sake of the candor that was requested: I, honestly, would take offense at being called a bigot just because I believe that something is morally wrong.  A bigot is someone who judges other people, who thinks that they are less than human because of something they are or do.  I don't think that.  I may not agree with someone's choice, I may not think that it's morally right, but I respect it as their choice.  I personally don't think that homosexuality is morally right; however, I also don't think that a person's sexual orientation completely defines who they are.  I have many close g*y friends; they know my views, but they also know that I love and accept them for who they are, not for what they choose to do in bed.  If I had a student come to me with fears, confusion, or something like that on this issue, I would treat them like any other student that came to me.  I would listen, I would let them talk things out, and I would let them know that there are people that care about them.  I'm a teacher, not a therapist - my job is to give a shoulder and a listening ear.  Often, that's what is needed.

I believe that it's important to see a student as a person, rather than as a collection of choices that I may or may not agree with.  The world is full of people that we may or may not agree with - that doesn't mean that we can't help each other out.  I am willing to teach any student that is willing to learn from me, and I'm willing to listen to any student that needs to talk.

Answer 4

Wow, good question.  I don't feel a teacher's personal beliefs on homosexuality should be discussed with a student.  Now, if a student goes to a teacher and wants to discuss his/her own feelings and needs some advice, then of course the teacher should listen.  The teacher (I believe) should then set the student up with the school counselor or help them find an outside counselor to speak with.  I only say that because, regardless of the teacher's beliefs (whether he/she does or does not feel that homosexuality is wrong), the parents of said student could become quite angry at the teacher for giving advice of that nature, either way, to their child. So, I believe it is best left for the counselors.

Answer 5

Yes, their religious opinion has no place in the classroom.  It's not an opinion rooted in fact but in superstition.  They need to realize that they hold this prejudice for no good reason.  The problem is that many think they DO have a good reason - but they've been lied to.  It's just bigotry, and they need to realize that.

Answer 6

You need to leave your religion at the door.  Period.  In MA, where g*y marriage is legal (and I teach) it could mean your job if you didn't.  You (and the district) could be sued for discrimination, and the student would win.

The worst experience I ever had was in 10th grade when we read the Bible as "literature" and my teacher couldn't separate herself from the material.  As an atheist I've never been more upset or more uncomfortable as I was.  It's not that I don't think it can be done, and the Bible is the premier piece of Western Literature, so I even support it being taught, but whether it's the Bible or homosexuality, you need to leave your own opinions at the door.

Answer 7

A teacher's job is not to push their own values (or lack thereof) on the students. Thus, there should be no problem.

Answer 8

My students do many things that I think are sinful or morally wrong or whatever you want to call it.  (I don't happen to think homosexuality is a sin, but there are MANY more things they do that are).  As a teacher, I must not let those things affect me.  I am also a very spiritual person.  I can't let that spirituality make me judgmental.

I am objective and neutral.  I do my job in the classroom.  I love and support my students.  I accept them as they are.

Answer 9

If it comes up in class discussion, they should just say "Well, in MY opinion . . . but lots of people disagree with me."  and drop it.  If students push it, the teacher should be firm and explain why he/she doesn't feel it's appropriate to discuss the matter in school.  OR, if the teacher does feel it's appropriate, just be sure to be open to the fact that some students are NOT going to agree and that is okay too.