Raleigh -- Students, parents, and supporters joined together this evening to show their enthusiasm for embattled teacher, Robert Escamilla. Popularly known as "Mr. Esco", the rally on his behalf was a combination of religious testimony, support for freedom of religion, and support for freedom in public schools.
Former students, their parents, and others took the stage in support of Escamilla and "the American way of life". Many in the crowd had no affiliation to Enloe high school at all, but supported what they deemed to be "an excellent teacher who deserves better."
The event was moderated by popular public television host, Chuck Campbell. His show, "Take A Stand", is revered in conservative Christian circles.
According to supporters, Escamilla was suspended, reprimanded, and transferred to another school after inviting a Coptic Christian guest speaker to his "World Religions" class, and other classes.
Escamilla's advocates argue that the Copts are an ancient Egyptian group of Christians who have been persecuted by the Muslim majority in that country. The guest speaker reportedly told students how he had personally experienced that persecution.
The Coptic Christian guest speaker's visit resulted in complaints by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). CAIR has been linked with Islamic terrorist group, Hamas.
Supporters had difficulty understanding the turmoil, as Mr. Escamilla had invited guest speakers from other faiths, including Buddhists, Jews, and Muslims, without controversy.
Following the visit by the Coptic Christian speaker, Escamilla was suspended from teaching, and received a scathing performance review from principal Beth Cochran. It was Escamilla's only negative performance review in 18 years of teaching in the Wake County Public Schools.
There were a number of mainstream television media present, as this story has attracted national attention. However, on Tuesday's late newscasts only provided scant coverage.
Video from the press conference will be posted online Thursday. (Your blogger will attend the NCSpin Growth Forum in the morning and take her toddler trick-or-treating in the afternoon/evening.) Sorry for the delay, but family always comes first for this writer.
For more information:
- FreeEsco site
- More video of the event will be placed on your blogger's YouTube site, http://www.youtube.com/katyscreations. Please check there Thursday or later. For your wait, you will be rewarded with more video than any other news outlet would DARE share!
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