Is he allowed, under the Constitution, to burn the flag. Yes. However, illegality is not the only concern here.

Like it or not, we are held to higher standards of ethical behavior than the average citizen. While this sort of thoughtlessness (as in having an apparent vacuum between the ears) is problematic virtually any time, in a time of war it is doubly so. Again, whether we agree that this extra sensitivity is right or wrong, it is undeniably so, with the likely exception of some blue state school districts on the outer fringes of flyover country, where American flag burning in the classroom would likely automatically nominate the pyromaniacal educator for teacher of the year.

The larger issue here is whether this gentleman has the calm, reasoned adult judgement necessary for a teacher. Is he, having done something that the overwhelming majority of Americans would find to be abhorent, deserving of the public trust? Unless it can be shown that this behavior was meeting a compelling educational goal, a goal that could not be met in any other reasonably available or effective way, the answer may be no.

There are just some things a teacher can't do, legal or illegal, in the classroom and expect to remain in the classroom. This may well be one.
Mike | Homepage | 09.21.06 - 11:45 pm | #