ACLU Responds To Florida Teacher’s Anti-Gay Marriage Facebook Post
Florida anti-gay teacher Jerry Buell was reinstated Wednesday, despite the fact that he wrote on his Facebook wall that hearing the news that same-sex marriage in New York “almost made [him] throw up.”
READ:Â Teacher Who Said Gay Marriage Made Him Almost Throw Up Back In Class
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida, which, while not representing Buell or supporting what he said, had published a statement in support of his right to say it.
We asked the ACLU to help us understand why they took this position. Here’s what they told us:
Given our belief that Mr. Buell’s off-campus Facebook post, though offensive, was protected by the First Amendment, we are satisfied to see that the school board has taken no further disciplinary action.
The ACLU believes that the response to offensive speech is not the restriction of speech, but more speech, which is why the ACLU has created programs like the “Don’t Filter Me†project to ensure that public schools aren’t illegally denying students access to positive, affirming information about LGBT issues.
Mr. Buell’s Facebook comments, though protected, highlight that work still needs to be done to help people understand why LGBT equality is so important. The ACLU will continue working hard to make sure public schools are safe for all students, including LGBT students, in Florida and in communities across the country.
What do you think?
Is this a freedom of speech issue, or should the rights, needs, and safety of LGBT students be placed ahead of the rights of their teachers?
Is this an opportunity to further discussion, or do teachers, to paraphrase Tinker v. Des Moines, shed their constitutional rights when they enter the schoolhouse employ?
Does the advent of the Internet place an entire new lens on free speech and responsibility of those the state employs to teach, motivate, and protect our young?

Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.
![]() |