The teacher who went viral for calmly and brilliantly questioning a student who called JK Rowling a “bigot” has just been fired, sparking an uproar online from prominent voices such as Elon Musk.
High School teacher Warren Smith circulated X back in February after he was asked by a student “Do you still like [J.K. Rowling’s] work, despite her bigoted opinions?”
Smith then asked a series of questions that forced the student to critically think through the assumptions he was making as depicted in the video that amassed 45 million views on X alone.
The Rabbit Hole weighed in on the story, saying Smith went viral when he “asked the student to articulate specific reasons and cite evidence which made the student admit their stance could use more thought.”
“Schools firing teachers who promote critical thinking is one of many reasons why so many students graduate unable to form cohesive arguments and acting like mindless NPCs,” the account added. “Teachers like Warren can be a part of the solution if schools grow a spine.”
Elon Musk then responded, writing, “Critical thinking inhibits indoctrination and schools have become indoctrination centers.”
Smith infamously said “I’m not going to say what is right or wrong or which way to think. The whole point is to learn how to think not what to think,” in one part of the video.
Users on X praised Smith for his masterclass in the Socratic method. “This is utterly brilliant. A student accuses @jk_rowling of being transphobic,” Lee Harris said of the exchange at the time. “This teacher skilfully dissects the claim and challenges it by asking questions.”
“He teaches not what to think, but how to think critically,” Harris said, adding, “… You see the epiphany in real-time.”
“The world is crying out for more teachers like this,” Harris continued in a follow up post. “Gives me hope.”
Other accounts echoed similar praise for Smith in the viral video, then expressed their grievances with the high school for eventually firing Smith just months later.
“7 days ago I was fired from my school after 4 years of teaching,” Smith shared on social media. “I recorded this the following day in order to share my perspective – honestly & in good faith – in order to move forward and put this experience behind me.”
“I have no desire to cause complications or bring unwanted attention to the school, so I will not divulge anything beyond that. It is important to me to be able to speak truthfully and honestly about one of the most challenging periods in the story of my life, in order to move onto a new chapter,” he added.
“I hope all can respect one another’s privacy, freedom of speech, & treat each other with dignity – especially during such times,” he continued.
X users flooded Smith’s replies showing their support following the announcement.
“Hang in there @WTSmith17,” wrote one user. “In time you will say that the school did you a favor. You are evidently and obviously such a good teacher, your future is bright.
“I’m so sorry, they have treated you appallingly. And they will tell themselves they’re good people for doing it,” posted another.
The post Elon Musk Responds After High School Fires Teacher Who Went Viral For Brilliantly Questioning Student That Called JK Rowling A ‘Bigot’ appeared first on Resist the Mainstream.
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Author: Jordyn M.
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