A Teacher’s Right To Free Speech
By Kellianne Smith, Staff Writer
Earlier this month, a teacher from Ogden High School, Mr. Johnson, was asked to cover his tattoos while at work. He claimed that this infringed upon his right to express himself. However, the school board stated that his tattoos were distracting and unprofessional.
Mr. Johnson’s tattoos are not objectionable. He does not have any satanic symbols imbedded in his skin, but he has many Star Wars tattoos that represent his son. Should he be allowed to show these in a classroom?
As high school students, we are asked to abide by a dress code. The Logan High School dress code says nothing about students needing to hide visible tattoos. Should tattoos be allowed to be seen on a teacher? Or does the school board have the right to discriminate against ink?
In the professional world, no matter where you work, you will be asked to dress appropriately. If you work at Subway, for example, you are only allowed to have one piercing in each ear. If you have others, you will be asked to remove them while at work, but a tattoo cannot be removed quite so easily. If you have visible tattoos, most employers will ask you to cover them while at your place of work, and they have the right to do this. But is it ethical?
While some may say that a teacher’s tattoos can distract a student from learning at the highest capacity, tattoos are a part of our society that has become a common sight. Students may be distracted for a day or so, but once they adjust, they will not be spending all of their time staring at the ink someone has placed on their own body. For the most part, students are responsible enough to pay attention to the whiteboard or the lecture being taught, not the teacher's appearance.
Teachers should maintain a professional appearance, but they should also be allowed to express themselves. Teachers are placed into our classrooms not only to teach, but to inspire students. If we do not allow our teachers to express themselves, then they will only inspire their students to become closed shells with their ties and dresses. If a teacher is allowed to express him or herself, they can better relate to their students.
Healthy self expression is a necessity for the “real world” we will grow to become a part of. Whether you choose to express yourself through the clothes you wear, the way you style your hair, or even the tattoos you have chosen to wear, you need to express yourself in a way that is right for you.
To Mr. Johnson: wear your tattoos loud and proud. You're teaching your students that they do not have to accept things as they are. You may lose your job, but you'll remain a hero to all of those students who have had the opportunity to sit in your classroom and learn more than English from you.