[Vision2020] Teacher Back in Class After Bush-Hitler Comparison

[Tom Hansen]

>From CNN.com -

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Teacher back in class after Bush-Hitler comparison

Friday, March 10, 2006; Posted: 6:58 p.m. EST (23:58 GMT) 

DENVER, Colorado (AP) -- A high school teacher who was placed on leave after
comparing President Bush's State of the Union address to speeches by Adolf
Hitler has been reinstated, his attorney and school officials said Friday.

Officials declined to say whether social studies instructor Jay Bennish
faced disciplinary action. His attorney, David Lane, said Bennish would be
back in the classroom Monday "with full pay."

Bennish had been on paid leave from Overland High School in suburban Aurora
since March 1 while Cherry Creek School District determined whether he
violated a district rule that teachers present balancing viewpoints in the
classroom.

During a February 1 lecture in a geography class, Bennish said some of
Bush's State of the Union address the night before "sounds a lot like the
things that Adolf Hitler used to say."

Bennish later said the lecture was intended to stimulate his students to
think critically. He also said he presents balancing viewpoints in class,
but not always at the same time. Lane acknowledged that was a mistake.

"Jay's teaching style will perhaps be, as some would say, a little more fair
and balanced on a minute-to-minute basis," Lane said. "When you put out one
side, put out the other then and there."

Bennish said he would continue to try to improve as a teacher and to
encourage students to think critically.

"I will be back in the classroom on Monday, and I am excited to continue to
teach," he said.

One of Bennish's students recorded part of the lecture and provided the tape
to a Denver radio station. Cherry Creek administrators said the student's
father gave a copy to them.

The state Senate on Friday rejected a proposal authorizing schools to fire
teachers who routinely present one-sided views in the classroom and instead
agreed to a measure saying teachers who violate school policies can be
dismissed.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Take care, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

********************************************

"In America, anybody can become president.  
That's one of the risks you take . . ."

- Adlai Stevenson

********************************************