A large group of students in a Cherokee County high school demonstrated Tuesday in support of a veteran teacher they say is being treated unfairly by the school for his Christian beliefs.

Sequoyah High School teacher John A. Osborne told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution he was wrongly accused by a parent of recently telling some students “if they smoke marijuana, they’re going to hell.” Osborne does not believe he has been allowed to properly defend himself, saying he had not talked to the parent.

Osborne said he broke down in class on Friday and has not been back to class, but has sent lesson plans to students.

Some Osborne supporters posted messages on social media that Osborne had been fired. Osborne and the Cherokee school district both said he has not been dismissed.

No administrative disciplinary action has been taken against students for their participation in the event, a district spokeswoman said.

About the Author

Keep Reading

The SNAP program provided benefits to about 13% of Georgia’s population, 1.4 million people, during the 2024 fiscal year. (Associated Press)

Credit: Sipa USA via AP

Featured

Rebecca Ramage-Tuttle, assistant director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, says the the DOE rule change is “a slippery slope” for civil rights. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC