Creationist science teacher sues school district - What nerve!

June 18, 10:33 AMScience ExaminerTrina Hoaks

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John Freshwater, an eighth grade science teacher of the Mount Vernon City School District in Ohio is in the news again. This time he is suing. You may remember that he was sued last year after he was accused of proselytizing to students, placing Ten Commandments and Bible verse posters on classroom walls, having a Bible on his desk, and for burning crosses into the arms of his students. In other words - he inappropriately brought his religion into the classroom.

Along with those accusations, it was also alleged that Freshwater taught creationism (or intelligent design by another name) in his classroom rather than the prescribed science material. At the time of the original lawsuit, Freshwater was suspended from his teaching job without pay while hearings were conducted to determine if he should be terminated.

Now, according to a report on The Columbus Dispatch's Web site, Freshwater has the nerve to file a lawsuit against "the school-board members, Superintendent Steve Short, middle-school principal William White and Thomas and Julia Herlevi of H.R. on Call, who were hired by the board to conduct the investigation" on the grounds that they "violated his constitutional and civil rights."

Reportedly, Freshwater is "seeking $500,000 in compensatory damages and $500,000 in punitive damages"  stating that the actions of those named in the suit were "malicious, fraudulent and oppressive and committed with an improper and evil motive." He also wants his job back.

Freshwater maintains that he did not violate district policy, He also said that he did not teach intelligent design in his classroom. Although he didn't deny having a Bible, he defended its presence by saying that other teachers have Bibles on their desks.

Now, alleged religious antics of this teacher aside, there are some people, like PZ Myers, who believed that Freshwater should have been fired because he was a horrible science teacher. Back in April of last year, PZ said, "He's an incompetent science teacher." PZ cited the following to make his case:

In one class, Freshwater used Lego pieces to describe the beginning of the world. He dumped the pieces, then asked students if the Legos could assemble by themselves, said Joe Stuart, 18, assistant editor of the high-school newspaper.

When Freshwater taught students about electrical current, he used a device to leave a red mark in the shape of a cross on the forearms of some students, Stuart said.

"If it were just about the Bible, I don't think people would have a problem with it," Stuart said.

In his evaluations through the 21 years he's worked for the district, Freshwater has drawn consistent praise for his strong rapport with students, broad knowledge of his subject matter and engaging teaching style.

In 2006, he was instructed to remove from his curriculum a handout titled "Darwin's Theory of Evolution — The Premise and the Problem." A parent had questioned its validity and use in a science classroom.

PZ went on to point out that "his popularity is not an indication that he's a good teacher." He added, "Freshwater can believe whatever he wants. When he decides to use his public school classroom to shove his beliefs down student throats, he's in the wrong and should obey the order to keep his class secular. And when his personal beliefs so scramble his judgment that he can't even teach the evidence and logic of science, his professional duty, fire him." (His emphasis.)

I agree with PZ on this point. But that aside... this man supposedly caused physical harm to the students with whom he was entrusted and as far as I am concerned he should not be allowed to teach children (or be near them in a professional capacity for any reason) ever again. It doesn't matter what it was that he burned into their arms - it could have been a smiley face for all I care. Speaking from the standpoint of a parent, I can say that I would not want this man near my children. In fact, I wouldn't allow it.

It takes a lot of nerve for this man to even consider asking for his job back - let alone suing to get it. Perhaps this move is indicative of his judgment, which seems to be lacking.