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A large crowd was on hand at the Holmes County School Board meeting.
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HC school board attacked for removing Davis
August 19, 2008 - 10:29 PM
BONIFAY - A large crowd was on hand Tuesday night before the Holmes County School Board, with many on hand to strongly criticize the Board for transferring David Davis from principal of Ponce de Leon High School.
The Board moved the meeting to Holmes County High School auditorium due to the size of the crowd that filled about a third of the auditorium. Most of those who spoke were there to criticize the Board for its decision.
TO COMMENT SCROLL DOWN TO BOTTOM
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS HAS PICKED UP THE PONCE DE LEON STORY...SEE LINK
Davis was transferred to a teaching position last summer following a ruling by a federal judge against the Board on a case where the rights of free speech for a student supporting homosexual rights were allegedly violated. The lawsuit was brought on behalf of two PdL students by the American Civil Liberties Union.
Davis was not present at the meeting but members of his family were among those who spoke. His son, Joel Davis, criticized the Board for what he called "the injustice done to my father, who brought our children to higher levels than ever before.
"You crucified the very man who did this."
Several speakers accused the Board of using Davis as a scapegoat, including Joel Davis. "You needed a good, Christian man you could stab in the back," Joel Davis said.
Others said that reports that Davis tried to force his religion on students were untrue. Lyndia Spears, who told the Board that she had 25 years experience as an assistant U.S. attorney, said that Davis knew policy about expressing his religion on the job. "He was very careful," she said.
"Instead of standing behind him you abandoned Principal Davis and let the ACLU dictate your actions. The defense was inadequate from the beginning. A proper investigation would have led to support for Davis."
Ernest Land was also critical of the quality of legal representation the Board used at the trial. "The attorneys represented you so poorly you should sue them for malpractice," he said. Land was also said the situation was not about homosexuality. "It was about disruption of the educational process and the vandalism it caused," he said. "If you had presented the facts you would have won the case."
Others criticized the Board for selling Davis out, for having a "yellow streak," not letting God guide them, and other issues. The Board was also accused of mediating a decision with the ACLU and members were asked if removing Davis was part of a "court order."
Board Member Ricky Callahan said the Board went to trial because members did enforce school policy and did not mediate in the middle of the trial. "The trial judge ruled against us on all counts," Callahan noted.
Superintendent Steve Griffin noted that the only mediation was with the ACLU over legal fees, that the Board managed to reduce from over $700,000 to $325,000. Griffin also said there was no court order to remove Davis as principal. The Board also refused to give in on 34 points brought up by the ACLU, Griffin said.
Griffin said that he does not support the homosexual lifestyle, nor did he in any way agree with the judge's decision. "But, as a constitutional officer I must obey the judge and Florida regulations," Griffin said.
Griffin urged local churches to minister to young people, as "many do not have a Christian education," he said.
"We will continue to work hard on the educational side, and we ask you to work just as hard on the religious side."
More coverage in the Aug. 27 Holmes County Times-Advertiser and online later this week.
Free Fish Fry
A free fish fry for all political candidates with special speaker David Davis will be held August 22, at 6 p.m. at the Bonifay Ag Center.
See archived 'Local News' Stories »
Reader's comments
| To old skool if the Bible had only one short verse against homosexuality that is enough. We do not need the entire Bible telling us it is wrong. |
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| one is enough - Aug 26, 2008 06:19:13 PM | Remove Comment |
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| It simply doesn't matter what you THINK the Bible says. In the public school system, religious beliefs have no legal authority. All people, of all religions and even atheists must be treated equally. Just as you don't want someone in power tormenting your students based on interpretation of passages in the Koran, the same should be held true of your particular version of Christianity. To hear some of you talk, I would almost be convinced you are attending a private Christian school. Perhaps you all need to pay for this mistake so you can learn a lesson about the separation of church and the public schools. If you cannot treat all students equally and follow your own school's mission statement, then you are a Christian in name only. |
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| old skool - Aug 26, 2008 02:51:52 PM | Remove Comment |
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| Mr. Davis should be thankful that the Supt. and the School Board didn't fire him for his actions but put him in a teaching position making the same amount of money as principal. I say we should put all of this behind us and move forward. God forgives and forgets. Why can't we do that? |
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| HC Citizen - Aug 26, 2008 11:29:32 AM | Remove Comment |
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| Stacey,I'm right here at PDL. Mr Davis isnt the only person who has ever been mischaracterized in public. No one who knows him believes he was doing any of this for evil purposes. This isnt about him being religious- most of are and most of us are open about our beliefs. This was a mountain out of a mole hill, made worse by the county office's lack of assistance. Now we need to get past this. The David Davis I know would not want to destroy this school. It is time to unite our school. |
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| right here - Aug 25, 2008 11:38:52 PM | Remove Comment |
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| The only problem with moving on alumni and others is that a mans reputation has been ruined. I am an educator and I know how frustrating it is to try to teach our children when you have others writing on lockers defacing school property
writing all over their bodies distraction in the learning environment and taunting others for not being gay harassment. We send our children to school to learn so that when they go to college they are able to compete with others for the jobs that are being offered. If you dont know that these are the actions that started this then ask some of the PDL students they will tell you I know because several have told me. The ACLU made this about homosexuality if it would have been a boy girl issue no one would have given this a bit of attention.
Do we not want someone at our schools
defending the rights of our students to have the best education possible?
In reference to the teachers and the students making the FCAT gains none of that would be possible without a strong principal making sure everyone is working for the students I know Im there. There are many meetings that take place where data is analyzed and state mandates have to be incorporated. The principal and the staff including aides create these plans as well as implement them.
School is in no way the way it was even 5 years ago. Please know that Mr. Davis is a kind man who only wants what is best for ALL children. It would be wonderful to move on if you're not the one whose name has been slandered across the entire country. |
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| Stacey - Aug 25, 2008 10:12:08 PM | Remove Comment |
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| Maybe the same lady who called the ACLU should call FL Dept of Education and talk to the Professional Practices Commission! |
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| easy answer - Aug 25, 2008 11:50:22 AM | Remove Comment |
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| This is the second part to the posting below. Homosexuality may be called a modern anxieties but since Christ condemns it, I would not say that it is a modern anxiety. I see it this way. Since the Holy Bible says that it is wrong, it is wrong. Personally, it doesn’t matter how many Scripture verses there are that cover homosexuality, I had rather take my chances and believe that it is wrong than to believe that it is okay and find out that I was wrong when I stand before the Lord on Judgment day. The Bible also says that homosexuality is one of the signs that we are to look for just prior to his coming in the clouds to take the Christians out of here. Regardless, we are still to love the homosexual but we are to hate the sin. God has made a way for everyone person to have eternal life but we can not do things that the Bible says that are wrong and expect to have eternal life with Him Eternal life with Him will be indescribably better than life without Him. The question is, where would you be if Christ had come five minutes ago? Would you be reading this or not? If you are reading this and rapture has taken place then you are in for a very hard time during the next seven years. If the rapture has not taken place and you are reading this, and your heart is not right with God, then why don’t you ask Christ to forgive your of your sins and ask Him into your heart today before it is too late? Don’t miss out on spending eternity with Him. |
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| Former PDL Student - Aug 25, 2008 06:58:00 AM | Remove Comment |
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| Since this is over 1900 characters, I will put it in two parts. Apparently, old school has forgotten the teachings of the old school or is not as old school as he/she think. The thought must be that it was only for those that lived in the old days when Christ was alive and walking on this earth since so few Scriptures cover homosexuality. It may not be in many Scripture verses, but it is something that was important enough to be included in the Scriptures. There may be only a few Scripture verses, but they are powerful ones and a large part of them are in the New Testament. Regardless of how anyone may believe, according to the Holy Bible, homosexuality is still a sin and is a sin in more ways than one. For example, The Bible says that this is a sin and because of that, the Bible says in Romans 1 verses 24 thru 27 that in committing a homosexual act, the truth of God is changed into a lie which is another sin so that is two sins, first the act and then the lie. Since it is changed into a lie that makes someone a liar because it can‘t be a lie without someone committing the act. Revelation 21 verse 8 says that all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone. |
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| Former PDL Student - Aug 25, 2008 06:55:46 AM | Remove Comment |
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| I am not ashamed said that he/she called the ACLU and stated that they should not have been breaking the law. They should not have been violating the civil rights of people and pushing their religion on others. They should not have been having morality assemblies when they themselves had poor morals. There needs to be a revival in Holmes County and some preachers need to pray through. Keep breaking the law and more lawsuits will follow.
Maybe so, but it isn’t only just some preachers that needs to pray through either, and calling the ACLU isn’t the way the way either. Calling the ACLU is the most expensive way to get results, especially when there are other means available. This cost a lot of money, money that could be better spent when this problem could have been solved locally. If you want to break the back of the taxpayers of Holmes County, just keep calling the ACLU.
Before you call the ACLU in the future, think about all the folks that are having to pay this fine, yourself included, provided you live in Holmes County. Please don't be so quick to call them especially when they will defend anything that will get them attention, especially situations such as this one. This has hurt our county in more ways than one and like someone else said, we need to move on and I agree but without the ACLU.
I have to say that I have known Mr. Griffin all of his life and as for his integrity, or courage, you will not find a better man anywhere. Mr. Griffin, regardless of the statement about his qualifications, and what anyone may think of him is just as qualified as anyone else to be the school Superintendent. Regardless os what anyone says, under his reign as superintendent, the schools of Holmes County have become better schools. He has my vote. |
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| Former PDL Student - Aug 25, 2008 05:29:23 AM | Remove Comment |
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| The school's mission statement is The Ponce de Leon High School administration, faculty, and support staff visualize literate students who are seekers of meaning and knowledge and are using this knowledge to satisfy their curiosity about life's complexities as they explore. These students will discover the old and compare it to the new as they strive to clarify their own identity and understand a world of many cultures and different beliefs.
As these students progress through the educational process, they will recognize their responsibility for changing conditions detrimental to human development, opportunity, and community. They will promote equity, tolerance, understanding, and acceptance of all people. This was a complete and utter failure of that mission. |
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| old skool - Aug 24, 2008 04:23:16 PM | Remove Comment |
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| QUOTE. In total, the Bible contains six phrases which touch on homosexual behaviour. Given the hundreds of commandments and thousands of pages, I can't see how homosexuality is of much interest to the scriptures. The Bible contains much more material condoning slavery and confining the rights of women than it does speaking about homosexuality. The fact that many Christians condemn homosexuality with righteous appeals to the scriptures is an example of bringing to the Bible what is really a twentieth century preoccupation and pretending that a handful of sentences from the Bible correspond to our modern anxieties over sexuality.
The best response that scripture can give with regard to homosexuality is the declaration that our Creator is very often not concerned about the who of relationship so much as the how. It simply asks if the relationship is functioning according to principles of justice and dignity? Does the partnership demonstrate mutual trust and compassion? If so, it is blessed by God.
Chris Levan is an ordained minister of the United Church of Canada and is the principal of St. Stephen's Theological College in Edmonton.
The Episcopal Church, for one, allows gay ceremonies and acknowledges gay unions. Their governing body has authorized the ceremonies. On their web site, Rev. Kendall Harmon states QUOTE
If we are experiencing such liturgies, and they are within the bounds of our common life, then the Episcopal Church has already sanctioned and blessed homosexual behavior, he said. While some people will stress that the church is recognizing rather than authorizing these blessing, he said, let’s be honest, this is authorization. |
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| old skool - Aug 24, 2008 04:18:06 PM | Remove Comment |
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| Everyone is entitled to their OPINION. Opinions are not FACT. You have freedom of religion in this country which does not give you the right to take your religious OPINIONS and cause suffering on other people. Individual Christian opinions should not be used in a position of power in a public school in order to torment and ostracize a child who is just there to learn and grow.
The greatest threat to religious freedom is religion's institutional intrusion into the control of the state and individual Christians. We say religious toleration demands religious freedom because the loss of freedom means that only one viewpoint is tolerated. John Locke implied that those who cry toleration the loudest cannot be trusted with the control of religious freedom. Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was informed by John Locke who followed the Bible and extended that principle to the Constitution of the United States. In his Letters on Toleration Locke said
Ethical. No Church has the right to persecute anyone as alike with civil society the joining of a church does not prejudice other natural rights which remain inviolable. The direst sanction a church should have against those who strained its powers of acceptance should be expulsion.
Rational. The practical impossibility of any Church being absolutely certain that it was THE vehicle of truth. Human knowledge and brains are limited, faith is typically speculative and mysterious, certainty in matters of faith is thus perhaps impossible to achieve and hence persecutions are very much less acceptable than openminded exchanges of ideas where all may hope to gain a more true grasp of faith related issues. |
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| old skool - Aug 24, 2008 04:13:02 PM | Remove Comment |
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| The major problem with all these threads is that regardless which side you are on, I would wager that none of you, to very very few, know exactly what went on in this case. I firmly believe, that if everyone knew exactly what went on, right down to the minor details, that almost everyone's opinion would be changed. In short, there was wrong on both sides of the arguement, by Mr. Davis, and by the school board. Everybody needs to leave it alone now, as it's over. The disciplinary action is done, the court decision is done, lawsuit finalized, fees paid, let it go and move on to something different. |
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| Alumni - Aug 23, 2008 07:45:00 PM | Remove Comment |
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| First, I'd like to say hats off to Buddy Brown for being man enough to step back in a position that he had left, knowing that there would be so many proplems to repair. Go Buddy! We are so glad you are back. Also, CONGRATS to the TEACHERS AND STUDENTS that worked so hard to bring up the FCAT scores. You are the ones that deserves the praise for that, and everyone should agree.
There are many more stories about Mr. Davis, and not all of them are good. Even though he made some poor decisions, we have to forgive him and let everyone move on. Maybe it would be easier for us taxpayers if Rev. Joel had passed the plate around during his sermon at the school board meeting so the folks that support Mr. Davis could repay our tax dollars that he cost the county for the ACLU instead of being used to build up our schools. I think we would all have liked fot that money to have gone for anything other than to pay attorneys.
THANK YOU AGAIN TO BUDDY BROWN, TEACHERS AND STUDENTS OF PDL. Keep your heads up and keep up the good work. We are proud of you! LET'S HAVE A GREAT YEAR! |
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| PDL PARENT AND TAXPAYER - Aug 23, 2008 07:15:10 PM | Remove Comment |
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| Most employers fire an employee who knowingly and willfully violates the law and costs the employer $325,000. None of this is the fault of the ACLU, an organization kind enough to reduce the Holmes County legal costs by $375,000. None of this is the fault of the students whose rights were violated. It is all the fault of Mr. Davis and his employers. Mr. Davis' friends and family should be thanking the school board for not firing him. Those of you ranting against the ACLU should be thanking them for reducing your legal fees. Frankly, everyone in the school district/county who ignored the law and forced this issue to court should be fired. |
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| TCat - Aug 23, 2008 05:48:25 PM | Remove Comment |
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| I called the ACLU about the corruption in Holmes County. They should not have been breaking the law. They should not have been violating the civil rights of people and pushing their religion on others. They should not have been having morality assemblies when they themselved had poor morals. There needs to be a revival in Holmes County and some preachers need to pray through.
Keep breaking the law and more lawsuits will follow. |
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| Im not ashamed - Aug 23, 2008 05:38:38 PM | Remove Comment |
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| Why is Mr. Davis, the former principal, not making any noise? Why is his son making all the noise? Apparently he is satisfied but the son is not happy with how things were handled.
This has cost our county too much. The individual or individuals that called the ACLU should be ashamed and should be the one to pay the 325000 dollars that the county had to spend because of this. Prople need to research out just what this organization is and how it got started and become so powerful. People wake up and quit calling the ACLU. |
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| Former PDL Student - Aug 23, 2008 02:12:07 PM | Remove Comment |
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| I totally uphold you on that. No way do I think Mr. Davis meant for things to go crazy like this. If outsiders would drop it, I think we can get our school and community back together. I dont agree with the way everything was handled but the past is gone. Go Pirates. |
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| ponce - Aug 23, 2008 10:49:09 AM | Remove Comment |
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| If you do not believe that the fire is hot then stick your hand in it ! This has gone on long enough. Although I do not care for Mr. Davis or his decisions, he is a living, breathing MAN. Everyone is entitled to make mistakes. I firmly believe that the right choice was made by the HCSB. Buddy Brown is everybit the Christian man and reputable leader that I want my Kids to finish their term out at PDL with. Let's put our school and community back up on the top of the charts and show the area the power and spirit that, this side of the river, has been known for in the past. |
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| are we done yet - Aug 23, 2008 09:55:25 AM | Remove Comment |
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| I support Mr. Davis. Homosexuality is wrong, but I think the Holmes county school board should make all students just wear uniforms - problem solved. |
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| holmes county - Aug 22, 2008 03:17:20 PM | Remove Comment |
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