Contoversial topics require care, caution

Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a school's decision to discipline a teacher for promoting themes some members of the community considered questionable.

The teacher, Peggy Boring, produced a play that included a homosexual character. After hearing complaints from several members of the community, the school decided to penalize Boring by removing her from her post and transferring her to another school.

Boring appealed the issue, claiming that it was her "academic freedom" to produce the play.

Indeed, these subjects should be discussed, provided it is with discretion and responsibility. Simply because an issue is controversial does not make it any less necessary to a child's education.

After all, what is the purpose of education, if not to prepare students to function in the "real world"?

It is just as imperative, however, that teachers treat such subjects responsibly. A teacher should consider the context of the topic, the age a preparedness of the students, and the objectivity of the subject.