(The suspension) is not a disciplinary action. It is to give us enough time to sit down and gather all the facts.
These are serious allegations and we're very concerned about it. This does not reflect the type of teaching that we want to see in Cherry Creek school district.
He can make those kinds of statements in a classroom provided he gives a balanced point of view. We're trying to determine whether or not he did that.
What we had to consider is what was best for the kids.
We want to find out all the facts, what other students have to say about it, whether there have been other incidents.
We received some calls with some new information.
He said that some people may compare (Bush) to Hitler.
It was peaceful. The students yelled, but there was no fighting.
We do want teachers to express their opinions, but to put that in context and to provide opposing points of view. All discussion must be fair and balanced.
After listening to the tape, it's evident the comments in the class were inappropriate. There were not adequate opportunities for opposing points of view.
