Student alleges anti-gay slur by Geneva H.S. teacher

Chicago, IL - A senior at Geneva High School who is gay has filed a complaint against one of his teachers for making what he said was a derogatory comment against gays during class.

"I'm personally offended," said Jordan Hunter, 17, who came out last spring. "I just think it's completely unacceptable for a person in that position to make any comments that are discriminatory toward any group in a classroom setting."

Geneva School District 304 officials said last week that they are investigating allegations that "a Geneva High School teacher made an inappropriate comment to students on Monday, October 5." Hunter signed a written complaint that day. "Everyone ... heard it," the complaint says.

Hunter was placed in another teacher's class and told by school officials that the accused teacher was not allowed to teach last week after the complaint was filed, Hunter said.

Hunter and his mother, Kelly, met with the principal Friday. The Hunters say they were told that the school board is expected to make a decision about what action, if any, to take against the teacher at a school board meeting Tuesday. School officials declined to comment further.

"They are doing things, and I'm sure they'll turn it into an educational experience for the whole school," Kelly Hunter said.

Jordan Hunter said he learned from other students that the teacher has made similar comments.

One of those students, Michael Sunderman, said he heard the teacher make the anti-gay slur last week and also heard him make such a remark earlier this year.

"I don't want to assume anything," Sunderman, 17, said. "(The teacher) is older, and maybe he doesn't have a prejudice. Maybe it's just a poor choice of words."

The teacher, his attorney and a teachers union official did not return calls seeking comment.

Written by: Noreen S. Ahmed-Ullah