Last fall, NJ teacher Viki Knox was being investigated for homophobic remarks she posted on Facebook, like calling homosexuality "a perverted spirit that has existed from the beginning of creation," and a "sin" that "breeds like cancer." Now, after being suspended for the incident and about to face tenure charges, it seems that she'd rather just retire from Union High School on disability pension.
According to the Star-Ledger, "Knox filed a motion earlier this month asking that it be delayed while she seeks a disability pension due to both a back injury and 'psychological grounds.' She did not elaborate. A judge Wednesday agreed to list the case as inactive for three months." In the court documents, Knox said, "If I can retire then there is no need for me to go through this unpleasant experience."
The firestorm erupted when Knox posted—on her personal Facebook page—her thoughts about a teacher who suggested the school start a gay-straight alliance, "Well, if I knew UHS was going to Hell in a handbasket before I know it for sure now!" and also said of a LGBT display, "The display should not be in the high school. UHS is not the setting to promote, encourage, support, and foster homosexuality. How does this effect existing laws
making it illegal for teenagers to give consent to engage in sexual intercourse! Hmm" (You can see a PDF of the comments here. )
Knox was also accused of emailing administrators, criticizing gay/lesbian teachers of "targeting young and impressionable" students. But in her court filings, Knox said, "Although I continue to maintain that I have done nothing that warrants me being disciplined ... the thought of going through a tenure trial causes a great deal of angst. Unfortunately for all concerned, this matter has already received great notoriety in the local community. Avoiding a hearing will allow the local community to start the healing process sooner." A NJ Treasury Department spokesman told the Star-Ledger that Knox can apply for pension, but she still needs to face disciplinary charges.
The ACLU has pointed out that Knox is protected by the First Amendment, with Deborah Jacobs of the NJ chapter explaining, "Although we do not agree with the sentiments expressed on Ms. Knox’s personal Facebook page, her comments are protected by the First Amendment. The ACLU believes that the response to offensive speech is not the restriction of speech, but more speech."
