there has to be more to this
MARLOW, Okla._For the first time, a Marlow High School history teacher is speaking out about his suspension over a small poster in his classroom.
Steven Alcorn is now facing a termination hearing in front of the school board over a quote by Benjamin Franklin. The quote was put up by a student in 2009. It's on a 3-by-3 coloring book picture of a gray cat with the caption, "In the dark, all cats are grey."
It came from a satirical letter Franklin wrote in 1745, “Advice to a Young Man on the Choice of a Mistress.”
Marlow school officials haven't told anyone why the post has become a problem after five years, including the teacher himself. He says he is still unsure why after so many years the school just now told him that the quote was inappropriate.
For the past 38 years, Steven Alcorn has been teaching history and has spent the last five years teaching at Marlow High School. Alcorn hasn't had any problems until recently when he was confronted by his superintendent and principal who told him the quote on display in his classroom was inappropriate.
"I was told not to go back to my classroom when the students were there and that they would notify me. And as of this moment, I have never received anything in writing from the school board," said Alcorn.
He says the quote has been on his walls for five years, and this is the first time anyone, including his supervisors, has ever had a problem with it.
"My principal and superintendent have been in my classroom many times and they could not have missed it, because it was right by my front door in my classroom," explained Alcorn.
Alcorn says if he had known that the school didn't want to use the letter as an example in his teachings, he wouldn't have used it.
"The letter, in the 18th century, was considered to be a little bit risqué, but by modern standards it's almost nothing," he said.
Even with his current suspension and termination hearing planned for January, Alcorn is still sticking by the people of Marlow.
"Parents are supportive of teachers. Great relationship with the faculty members. The students are absolutely the best I have ever had. I wish I had spent my whole career in Marlow, Oklahoma," he said.
Marlow Public Schools would not comment at this time because the school board does not comment on personnel matters.
Alcorn's supporters have started a Facebook page called Support Mr. Alcorn-Save history at Marlow High School.
Alcorn's termination hearing is scheduled to be held by the Marlow School Board on January 20.
http://www.kswo.com/.....oom-poster
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