Indiana: Anti-gay teacher was "expressing her First Amendment rights"

Superintendent Mark A. Baker released a statement Tuesday distancing the Northeast School Corporation from Diana Medley's anti-gay statements but defending her free speech:

"I would like to clearly state the Northeast School Corporation has never denied any student the right to attend prom or any other Northeast School Corporation sponsored event due to their race, gender, or sexual orientation. Furthermore, the Northeast School Corporation has never denied any student access to any events sponsored by Northeast School Corporation. This includes sports, plays, musicals and any other extra-curricular activities.

In regards to the story that WTWO aired on February 10, 2013, the Northeast School Corporation employee that was interviewed was expressing her First Amendment rights. The views expressed are not the views of the Northeast School Corporation and/or the Board of Education.

These comments were expressed during a Sunday community meeting at a local church and at no time was she representing the Northeast School Corporation. The teacher was participating in a meeting with her local church congregation.

I'd like to point out that, yes, Ms. Medley does have a right to express her anti-gay speech. Just as I have a right to point out that it's hurtful to her students and bigoted.

Free speech.