Talk about a mine field. How in the world does one comment on this and not get hung in effigy? In fact, hanging someone in effigy might be less controversial these days, though it certainly is a more historically profound form of speech. The whole issue centers around the actions of a Middle School Teacher in Kentucky (Read the article). The teacher is currently being reassigned, pending an investigation.
What struck me about this was not the issue of free speech. I do agree with the Supreme Court that flag burning is a form of speech, just like hanging someone in effigy was during the American Revolution. It is a particularly inflammatory form of speech, but there are times when that is necessary. When the Lord called the Pharisees a "brood of vipers" it was rather inflammatory, just as it was when overturned the money changers' tables in the temple.
The trouble is that this incident is not really about free speech. The issue is about pedagogy, and though they won't be referenced in the national media, it is about the verse in James 3 that teachers will be judged more strictly. Discussion of flag burning, showing a video of flag burning and even having the flag and the materials to do so there are different methods than actually burning the flag. Should students be taught to think critically? A resounding yes. Should it be through this method in a MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASSROOM? Not really. Hands on and visual learning are important, but so is discretion. No profession is judged more strictly than teaching. No matter what is bandied about -- teaching is still one of the few professions where morals, integrity and character are critical parts of the job description. The reality is that while free speech is a protected right, teachers still must exercise discretion in prompting critical thought. This was not perhaps the wisest way in which to do so.
Teachers are entrusted not only with the minds but the well-being of their students. For students who have solid home lives, their parents must be able to trust the teachers with their children, and for students whose parents are not as involved or helpful to their children, teachers have an even greater responsibility. Teaching is not about what can be done in a classroom, but rather about what should be done. Critically thinking skills are important but one thing we have to also teach students is respect and appropriate behavior for a given time and place. Neither one of these was here. Titus 2:7 says "in your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." This applies certainly to the Christian teacher, but it also applies across the board. The teacher who fails to abide by the principles of "integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech" will first earn the disrespect of his/ her students, and later reprimands of authority.
Teaching is a serious business, not well-remunerated, but nonetheless, a serious business.