Can a public school teacher legally be fired for being gay or lesbian?

Question

I'm mostly interested in Southeastern U.S. states.

Answer 1

It depends on the state first and then the local school system. Most state certification organizations have a moral behavior clause in the code of ethics. It can be twisted to include the homosexual lifestyle. Some, but not many local systems now include sexual orientation in their non-discrimination policy. If they include it, they cannot fire you for being gay. If they do not have it they can, and often do, fire gay teachers. If they cannot justify firing them, they make them want to quit.

I worked in a system that does discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. Boss tried for two years to make me leave. I stayed long enough to make it clear that I would leave on my own terms.

I love teaching. I do it very well. My lifestyle outside my classroom has no bearing on my work inside my classroom. I do not discuss it at work because it has nothing to do with my lesson plans.

Answer 2

No, that would result in a major discrimination law suit, not only to mention the negative media coverage.

Now if it is was a private school, that's a different matter. But a public school, no.

Unfortunately, although they cannot discriminate, they will find something to use, like being 1 minute late. Or like in New York with the employment at will law, they can fire you without cause in any sector of employment, union or not.

I know, been there.

Answer 3

The laws probably vary from state to state and district to district. But I think that regardless of the law, the community may force the school board to "re-assign" a known-to-be-gay school teacher, mostly under the assumption that "all gays are pedophiles," or at the least that "they might teach our kids that it's all right to be gay."

Regardless of the law, look for a gay-friendly community. Good luck.

Answer 4

I know that we have a gay 6th grade teacher because my son told me. He also stated that her gf is very pretty :P All of the kids know and no one seems to have a problem with it. She is a good teacher, why would we want to lose her.

There are groups that will come to the aid of someone being discriminated against. I would start with the ACLU and also look for LGBT groups.

Answer 5

Happens all the time, from Georgia to the Pacific, Maine to New Mexico, Idaho to Florida. And yes, unfortunately, it's legal. I dunno why - my boys have had two schoolteachers who were gay, and neither of them ever so much as hinted at it while in the classroom. I say let them be themselves outside the classroom; parents got a heck of a lot more serious matters to worry about regarding our public schools than whether or not the teacher is gay.

Answer 6

It depends on where they are and whether the State has anti-discrimination laws in place, even then if the school is religiously affiliated(say Baptist or such) they may still be able to be fired.

Answer 7

Pretty sure it depends on WHICH state. There is no federal protection; it's purely state law. I think hrc.org has a list of which states have nondescrimination laws somewhere, but it's a pretty big site. :-/

Answer 8

I should hope not. It will teach children that they are different people in the world and we shouldn't judge them at all. I only want my children to worry about pedophiles and not about what happens between two consenting adults in the bedroom. I want them to understand it's ok to love whomever they want. Male, shemale and female as long as that person loves and respects them back.

Answer 9

No. It's against most discrimination laws.

Answer 10

nope. i grew up in east tn (the most southern place on earth!) and i had a gay teacher or two...no probs.