NJ Gov. Christie: "concerned" about anti-gay comments by high school teacher

NJ Gov. Chris Christie

Last week, a New Jersey high school teacher posted anti-gay comments on her Facebook page after seeing a Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender History Month display at Union High School.

Special-education teacher Viki Knox, with more than 20 years of experience, went on to describe homosexuality as “a perverted spirit” and “a sin that breeds like cancer.”

The school district began an investigation late last week to determine if her comments violated any school policies. The teacher retained an attorney Friday through her union, the New Jersey Education Association.

Today, Gov. Chris Christie said he is concerned about the statements attributed to Ms. Knox.

"I think that kind of example is not a positive one at all to be setting for folks who have such an important and influential position in our society," Christie said this morning. "I'm really concerned about those kinds of statements being made." Christie said he finds the comments "disturbing."

"I would like to see an examination of how that teacher conducts herself in the classroom," Christie said.

The Human Rights Campaign approves: “We applaud Governor Christie for doing the right thing and speaking out against the anti-LGBT vitriol this teacher chose to bring into the classroom,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “Governor Christie’s denouncement sends a very strong message that intentionally and publicly spreading malicious rhetoric and falsehoods about LGBT Americans is unacceptable and cannot go ignored. Now, Union Township school officials must take action that adequately addresses the severity of Ms. Knox’s behavior.”