High school art teacher suspended over objections to his private artwork
A popular high school art teacher in Virginia has been suspended after objections were raised about his private abstract artwork, much of which includes smearing his posterior and genitals with paint and pressing them against canvas. When administrators at Monacan High School (MHS) learned of Stephen Murmer's secret career, they suspended him for five days and informed him he might face additional disciplinary measures. A district spokeswoman confirms an MHS art teacher has been placed on administrative leave but declines to provide additional details because it is a personnel issue. "In the school system, personnel regulations state that teachers are expected to set an example for students through their personal conduct," she says. "Additionally, the Supreme Court has stated that schools must teach by example and that teachers, like parents, are role models." According to Virginia American Civil Liberties Union executive director Kent Willis, whose organization is representing the teacher, Mr. Murmer went to great lengths to keep his work life separate from his activities as an artist by using an alias and appearing in disguise in photographs and videos promoting his art. "As a public employee, he has constitutional rights, and he certainly has the right to engage in private legal activities protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution," Mr. Willis says. In a clip from a 2003 appearance on a television talk show, now available on YouTube.com, Mr. Murmer appears incognito and dons a fake nose and glasses, a towel on his head, a black thong-and nothing else. That video has made the rounds at MHS, where the mere mention of Mr. Murmer's name is enough to elicit grins from students. Most support their teacher, however, describing his suspension as "stupid" and "ignorant." This is not Mr. Murmer’s first clash with school officials. Three years ago, he contacted the ACLU after he was told administrators were unhappy about his paintings. However, that issue was resolved without disciplinary action.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By Kristen Gelineau (Associated Press)
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