Virginia substitute teacher suspended over Russia comments

[Jilly_in_VA]

A Virginia substitute teacher has been suspended after expressing approval of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine and urging students to read Russian propaganda outlets.

Arlington Public Schools suspended John Stanton, 65, who made the comments during a middle school Spanish class Friday, The Washington Post reported.

Stanton said he offered an opposing viewpoint and told students to read as many news sources as possible, including Sputnik News, which the FBI, CIA and National Security Agency have declared a “state-run propaganda machine.”

“The statement I think that got me was I said, ‘I personally support the logic of Putin,’ and what I meant by that is, he made a rational decision from his perception,” Stanton said.

A schools spokesperson declined to discuss Stanton’s comments or employment status.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/virginia-substitute-teacher-suspended-russia-comments-rcna18481

[dchill]

1. You'd think VA would have multiple GOOD teachers to suspend...

Why start out persecuting a bad one?

[58Sunliner]

2. ?

[Wuddles440]

4. I'm assuming the comment...

was punished as sarcasm - at least I hope so!

[58Sunliner]

5. LOL!!

[dchill]

6. Can you think of any other possibilities?

[Duppers]

7. Pardon?

Not too funny. Most of the state seems decent; at least better than any other southern state.

[58Sunliner]

3. Send him to Russia.

"Stanton, whose resume lists roles as an American Enterprise Institute researcher, a host of an unnamed 1980s 'political/cultural radio program' in D.C. and an 'independent journalist,' said he writes for outlets such as Pravda, which was the Soviet Union's main propaganda platform.

"In a Pravda opinion piece, published on Monday, Stanton argued that the US owns 'every country in the NATO alliance' and described Russia's invasion of Ukraine is 'great news for the West's defense contractors who earn 'billions of profit'."

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10573473/School-suspends-substitute-teacher-backed-Putins-decision-invade-Ukraine.html