Recently in Virginia, a substitute teacher has been suspended because of certain comments made about the present-day Russian invasion taking place in Ukraine.  

     According to NBC News, the teacher was suspended “after expressing approval of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine and urging students to read Russian propaganda outlets.” These comments were made to a “middle school Spanish class,” according to the Washington Post.  After very serious consideration, these remarks led John Stanton to be suspended from substituting. 

     Certain opinions should be kept out of the school system all together, such as opinions regarding politics, any stances or any subject that has to do with politics. 

     In efforts to back up his reasoning to create this conversation in the classroom, according to NBC News, he explains that, “he offered an opposing viewpoint and told students to read as many news sources as possible.”  One of the sites he offered was “Sputnik News, which the FBI, CIA and National Security Agency have declared a “state-run propaganda machine.” 

     Stanton continued talking about what he had been discussing in the classroom saying, “the statement I think that got me was I said, ‘I personally support the logic of Putin,’ and what I meant by that is, he made a rational decision from his perception.”

     After Stanton made his statements, “A schools spokesperson declined to discuss Stanton’s comments or employment status,” says NBC News.

     These are very harsh and uncalled for claims to be made in a classroom full of students that most likely, given certain subjects,  have an abundant number of different opinions. Politics is one of these subjects. 

     The political part of these claims made by Stanton is what had parents sending an email to the school board.  NBC News discussed that, “parents said Stanton’s comments, expressing support for Russia and asking if anyone “hated Russia,” amounted to “advocacy of political positions, and Russian propaganda.”

     At times, having reasonable debates about controversial topics is okay. This can help communication skills, along with gaining skills on how to have a relaxed argument regarding a topic that may be easily disagreed upon. 

     For instance in a history class, at times there really is no way around it, it’s part of important history. So in this case, discussing a political topic is okay, but no personal opinion is ever needed.

      Learning and gaining knowledge about opinionated subjects is one thing, but throwing out very apparent personal opinions while doing so is another. They are not needed.