Ms. Rivers' students attend high school. They are older teens, not preschool or elementary school students. Like it or not, today's high schoolers are bombarded daily by far more disturbing news than a cherished teacher's sex change operation. Yes, it will most certainly confuse some of them, even disgust others. But they are old enough to display compassion and understanding, despite this confusion and revulsion. We're always demanding that our teens act more maturely, more responsibly. Let's give them credit when they do. They want their best teacher to keep teaching them, regardless of his sexual orientation.

In any event, their maturity, intelligence and educational needs should be honored and respected in this matter. Listen to the kids on this one.

Should the school board have let the teacher go?
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