High school teacher suspended after controversial assignment

By Mike Owens

PIASA, IL (KSDK) -- Teacher Dan DeLong is beloved by many of his students, as an educator who pushes the envelope for his students.

But he's not pushing anything right now. Students and parents say he's been suspended from his job at the Southwestern School District High School in Piasa, located north of Alton. At issue: DeLong offered his students optional work by going to a website and reading a scientific report about homosexuality in animals.

The word of his suspension comes from Facebook, the online networking site. His supporters at the school have created a webpage in support of DeLong and more than
400 people have signed on to show support, or at least read details of the dispute.

DeLong teaches honors English to 10th to 12th grade students. The website option was made to a 10th grade class.

Students say the parent of one of the students saw the website and thought it was not appropriate for her child.

School officials, according to parents, have set a hearing for DeLong for Monday night at the school board offices.

You can see that Facebook page in support of DeLong by clicking here.

The controversial article in question can be found here.