one last comment I want to leave: What is a hand, a foot, an elbow? Are they not all body parts? Pictures are painted all the time with these body parts. Daycares all across this country show case art by toddlers using these body parts. Everyone has a gluteal region. Everyone has genitals. Some have a penis. Yes, it is called a penis.
If an institution punishes anyone for using their gluteal region as opposed to their hand, then that institution is exemplifying the archaic idea that certain body parts are disgusting, repulsive, to be ashamed of, etc. I, as a parent, do not want my children thinking or believing that any part of their body is less valuable, less sacred than another.
Go get them for this. Fight because there is a deeper implication in all of this.
I have read multiple news stories regarding your firing/lawsuit. It just amazes me that we have a Constituition...that the folk in the Chesterfield County Public Schools just don't seem to know exists.
I commend you for doing your art...it is truly unique! Keep it up!!
heck yes! go get them tiger. there is no way anyone can get away with cutting one's creative freedom with no consequense. it is a violation of an artist's civil rights. dont let them deprive you of what you have the right to do.
I actually live here in Chesterfield County, and was shocked when they fired you. I agree with the person who made the comment about the constitution. I also would like to say that if I did not already know, I never would have guessed how these paintings were produced, they are truly beautiful work of art. Good Luck with the trial, here in Richmond though, you will need it.!!! Linda in Chesterfield
Go to the highest court! Your paintings are great ,if I had the money Id buy one of them right now,I dont see anything but ART in them, good luck to you and keep painting!
The School Board's action was ridiculous. I look forward to you being reinstated, and walking into your classroom to a round of applause from your students. They will have learned that there are things--like freedom of speech and freedom of artistic expression--that are worth fighting for.
Mr. Murmer, Your Paintings are inspiring, and truly unique. There was no reason for you to be fired from your job, and what the School District does not realize, is that they are giving you so much free publicity, that your works are only going to become more valued, and go up in price! Soon you won't need a teaching job... You'll be able to slap your body parts onto canvasses all day long, and I think that is Wonderful. I hope that other close-minded school superintendants will think twice before they fire someone for doing something on his own free time! Take Care!
Mr. Murmur, I am a parent, and I can honestly say I'm at a loss to what the big deal is about your technique of painting. You are a very creative individual and your paintings are beautiful. I'm disappointed in the school officials for firing you over an outside hobby. I've seen the video and I am very impressed that you went to the measures you did to conceal your identity, however, it is sad that you had to go to that extreme. Regardless of the outcome, keep your spirits high and know that you are and always will be a wonderful teacher with a very creative soul.
WOW! I took a look at your paintings and if I hadn't been told, I would never know ANY body part had been used. I especially love the "butterfly" and "poppies" paintings. If I had the money, I'd purchase them!! There is nothing objectionable about these works of art in my humble opinion!! I hope you win your lawsuit...
i'm disgusted with the state we live in, for mistreating your right to creative expression. leave it to virginia to be a huge pain in your.... hope they reinstate you soon, we need more creative teachers like you in this state!
You need to know that most of your colleagues support you. Unfortunately, we are not permitted by the school system to discuss it with the media, so a lot of our own stories of rights that have been trampled on stay quiet. We wish we had the guts you do and we are pulling for you!
Stephen, I'm so shocked by what has happened and it's truly, truly appalling. I want to make sure more people are aware of what has transpired so I've highlighted your story on my blog and not surprisingly, my readers also feel that a great injustice has been done. You have a wonderful talent and I enjoy your work a great deal. Keep up the fight. I wish you the very best. xox
I consider you one of the best teachers I have ever had. I miss you very much! I can't say how Monacan is doing because I have graduated and moved on but I am sure the people that remember you are sad and wish for you to come back. I agree that one day you will be rich and won't need to teach anymore. I am happy for you. Maybe now you can own your own Krispy Kreme because you love their doughnuts so much! I only wish I could tell you this in person or through e-mail. I only knew your school e-mail account. Take care Mr. Murmer. I will be following this case closely and I wish you the best of luck.
18 comments:
It's a shame they fired you. Go get them. I don't understand what the big deal is other than someone is highly judgmental and lacks creativity.
one last comment I want to leave:
What is a hand, a foot, an elbow? Are they not all body parts? Pictures are painted all the time with these body parts. Daycares all across this country show case art by toddlers using these body parts. Everyone has a gluteal region. Everyone has genitals. Some have a penis. Yes, it is called a penis.
If an institution punishes anyone for using their gluteal region as opposed to their hand, then that institution is exemplifying the archaic idea that certain body parts are disgusting, repulsive, to be ashamed of, etc. I, as a parent, do not want my children thinking or believing that any part of their body is less valuable, less sacred than another.
Go get them for this. Fight because there is a deeper implication in all of this.
I have read multiple news stories regarding your firing/lawsuit. It just amazes me that we have a Constituition...that the folk in the Chesterfield County Public Schools just don't seem to know exists.
I commend you for doing your art...it is truly unique! Keep it up!!
I have studied the paintings on your web page, and cannot find anything objectionable about them.
If there is anything "lewd" about these paintings, it must be in the minds of the school board.
What is this school district thinking?
heck yes! go get them tiger. there is no way anyone can get away with cutting one's creative freedom with no consequense. it is a violation of an artist's civil rights. dont let them deprive you of what you have the right to do.
I actually live here in Chesterfield County, and was shocked when they fired you. I agree with the person who made the comment about the constitution. I also would like to say that if I did not already know, I never would have guessed how these paintings were produced, they are truly beautiful work of art. Good Luck with the trial, here in Richmond though, you will need it.!!! Linda in Chesterfield
Go to the highest court! Your paintings are great ,if I had the money Id buy one of them right now,I dont see anything but ART in them, good luck to you and keep painting!
zI like your work. It's simple and beautiful. Keep doing what you're doing, regardless of the critics!
The School Board's action was ridiculous. I look forward to you being reinstated, and walking into your classroom to a round of applause from your students. They will have learned that there are things--like freedom of speech and freedom of artistic expression--that are worth fighting for.
How archaic that the school board actually thinks they are entitled to judge you based on art you produce outside of school.
As you are not engaged in illegal activities, it truly isn't any of their business.
Those paintings are awesome. Its hard to believe that was done with just body parts. Nice job.
Mr. Murmer, Your Paintings are inspiring, and truly unique. There was no reason for you to be fired from your job, and what the School District does not realize, is that they are giving you so much free publicity, that your works are only going to become more valued, and go up in price! Soon you won't need a teaching job... You'll be able to slap your body parts onto canvasses all day long, and I think that is Wonderful. I hope that other close-minded school superintendants will think twice before they fire someone for doing something on his own free time! Take Care!
Mr. Murmur,
I am a parent, and I can honestly say I'm at a loss to what the big deal is about your technique of painting. You are a very creative individual and your paintings are beautiful. I'm disappointed in the school officials for firing you over an outside hobby. I've seen the video and I am very impressed that you went to the measures you did to conceal your identity, however, it is sad that you had to go to that extreme. Regardless of the outcome, keep your spirits high and know that you are and always will be a wonderful teacher with a very creative soul.
WOW! I took a look at your paintings and if I hadn't been told, I would never know ANY body part had been used. I especially love the "butterfly" and "poppies" paintings. If I had the money, I'd purchase them!! There is nothing objectionable about these works of art in my humble opinion!! I hope you win your lawsuit...
i'm disgusted with the state we live in, for mistreating your right to creative expression. leave it to virginia to be a huge pain in your.... hope they reinstate you soon, we need more creative teachers like you in this state!
You need to know that most of your colleagues support you. Unfortunately, we are not permitted by the school system to discuss it with the media, so a lot of our own stories of rights that have been trampled on stay quiet. We wish we had the guts you do and we are pulling for you!
Stephen, I'm so shocked by what has happened and it's truly, truly appalling. I want to make sure more people are aware of what has transpired so I've highlighted your story on my blog and not surprisingly, my readers also feel that a great injustice has been done. You have a wonderful talent and I enjoy your work a great deal. Keep up the fight. I wish you the very best.
xox
Mr. Murmer,
I consider you one of the best teachers I have ever had. I miss you very much! I can't say how Monacan is doing because I have graduated and moved on but I am sure the people that remember you are sad and wish for you to come back. I agree that one day you will be rich and won't need to teach anymore. I am happy for you. Maybe now you can own your own Krispy Kreme because you love their doughnuts so much! I only wish I could tell you this in person or through e-mail. I only knew your school e-mail account. Take care Mr. Murmer. I will be following this case closely and I wish you the best of luck.
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