I don't consider it a slam to M/SO at all. I consider it a compliment! ;-)

Well said, Wendy!

Well, she has a right to her opinion no matter the survey option.

This is one reason, as a resident of Vauxhall, I spend time and relate to Maplewood, not Union, which is decades behind the progressive Maplewood. I notice many neighbors in Vauxhall do the same. And it was Maplewoodians who came to our aid after severe flooding of Hurricane Irene. We are very grateful.

I think she has the right to her opinion, but because she is a teacher and role model for children, she shouldn't make negative comments about any group of people

And actually, the more I think about it, this part of the comment:

"I/we do not have to accept anything, anyone, any behavior or any choices! I do not have to tolerate anything others wish to do.”

Is a problem. As a teacher, she DOES have to tolerate others. In fact, in general she DOES have to tolerate others. She DOES NOT have the right to discriminate against anyone due to race, religion or sexual orientation. Tolerance is exactly the point, which makes her post even more troubling, since she chose to specifically state that she does NOT have to tolerate "anything".

I agree with Wendy.

I also consider it a compliment.

"South Orange/Maplewood where one out of four families consist of two Mommies or daddies. …"

I hope, for the sake of her students, that she doesn't teach math, or anything else that requires the ability to count.

I am a former resident of South Orange - I moved to Massachusetts in 1989 to attend graduate school and ended up staying in the Boston area.

I have never known two more welcoming communities than South Orange and Maplewood. These are towns that take pride in their diversity, and work hard to build a pluralistic and accepting community that the rest of the country should emulate.

For those of us who are blessed to work in public education, it is our obligation to give our heart and soul and talents to the children who come before us. Every child, regardless of their family, race, religion, or emerging sexuality, deserves a high quality education from caring professionals.

I hope this incident serves as a reminder for all of us to cherish our children and support the families that love them.

She may be guilty of a hate crime. As a teacher, any racist, homophobic,xenophobic, or misogynist comment a teacher makes that may effect the self image or well being of a child can be considered a hate crime. I would like to see the lawyers of the NJEA and Pride NJ look into this. Children's self images are fragile especially those who are coming to grips with their sexualilty. When an adult/teacher make such derogatory remarks, it is my belief that this borders upon child abuse, and perhaps the laws of NJ may agree. Shame on you Ms Knox, shame!