"Don’t think I didn’t notice you conveniently skipped over the fact he’s being disingenuous by applying an analysis of a specific instance as a general truth."

What are you talking about?

My position is that teachers shouldn't be fired for encouraging "thought exercises" in their classes.

Whether we're talking about taxes, environmental regulations, fossil fuel consumption, climate change, LGBTQ+ issues, religion, whatever... teachers should challenge and push back on their students (including pushing back on common narratives that students feel obliged to accept because "everybody" does). Students should be taught to think critically.

I grant that Smith's focus in the conversation was on one of J.K. Rowling's post. And that's why I said (in a follow up article) that had the administration stepped in and said he needed to bring in other perspectives, that would have been perfectly fine.

All I'm saying is that a teacher shouldn't be fired for encouraging critical thinking - even on sensitive and controversial issues. I'm NOT saying that a teacher can't be corrected. And I'm NOT saying that, if the teacher violates the law or school policies or infringes on the rights of a student, then... none of that matters. Of course, it matters. And firing a teacher in those situations is justified.

This is why my original article said that I'm stopping short of condemning the school because there are too many unknowns.

Bottom line... It seems you are giving all benefit of any doubt to the school. And that's fine. Ultimately, whether Smith's firing is justified or not is a matter between the school, Smith, and any attorneys involved. I'm more than content to leave it there.

I just felt the news item was an opportunity to write an article endorsing critical thinking and to express my hope that he wasn't fired for the content of the thought exercise he employed.

If you disagree, so be it.

All the best to you.