"The Second Chance Act" is a bill being considered by Oregon law makers.  If passed women who have been convicted of misdemeanor prostitution will be allowed to become certified public school teachers.  

They may take the prostitute off the street but it's going to take more than a good job to take the street out of the ex-prostitute.   

Supporters of this bill say that these women will know how to relate to teens.  Oregon parents bring your children home now before an ex-prostititute relates to your child. 

Hat tip: Amy

Comments

May. 17, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by homeskoolmom

YIKES!!!!!!!!!

May. 17, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by sajolley

Being someone that works regularly with women who have been victims of prostitution, I support them receiving a second-chance in any vocation. These women are not sexual predators, but victims. I have not met a woman yet who chose prostitution as her vocation. Prostitution became a survival tactic.

If they have indeed left the lifestyle, made a new start, and obviously are living a life free of the past, I would have no problem with one of these women teaching my children. I would guarantee that you would not be able to pick out the women that I know that have been clean for at least 5 years and are living a new life as having been former prostitutes. These women don’t talk about what they’ve been through unless they are trying to help another sister off the streets. They are heroes and survivors of violent and brutal lives. Their compassion runs deep. They have much to live for and appreciate life in an astounding way.

I question how many of us homeschool teachers have an unblemished past. How many of us have done things that have marred our record. How many of us have been victims of sexual abuse. I’m sure there are even some homeschool teachers that have been convicted of a misdemeanor that would prevent them from getting a teaching job.

Praise God these women who have broken free of this bondage no longer must wear the Scarlet Letter, but can live and be whole.

Sadly, there are many women that never make it off the streets. By working with these women I have found that it is often the judgment and rejection from others and their own shame that keeps many of them from ever truly making a clean break. They never find that grace and forgiveness. They never become whole. These women will not be candidates for teaching jobs. They can barely keep any regular job. These women desperately need our prayer.
amanda

May. 17, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by quietcajun

That really frightens me. I am glad MY dc are not in public school, but our future community leaders often are...

May. 18, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by eclecticeducation

Wow! The lengths they will go to screw up!!!! I'm not saying there is not a prostitute out there that will not find Jesus and turn their life around. If they have proven that they have lived a clean life for several years, of course they should have a "second chance", but to use this as a way of reform... they are asking for a disaster!!!

May. 20, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Michelle K.

I'm all about having my kids home and educating them there. But I'm also all about living and teaching my children to live in a manner that shows God's love to EVERYONE. Quite frankly one of the most awesome, loving, mighty women of God that I am blessed to know is an ex-prostitute and drug addict. She now is not only giving her life to help others out of that lifestyle but she happens to be an incredible wife and a godly mother of three precious girls. She is a true example of God's transforming power! She also does more for the kingdom of God than just about any other "christian" wife, mother or woman that I know. Feel free to check out her website at www.trophyofgrace.com or www.hopefoundation.org.au - It might put some things into perspective for you. God's grace is for me and for you and also for ex-prostitutes - no matter how uncomfortable that makes you.

May. 20, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by TOSPUBLISHER

Michelle, I agree with you. I know people who have had seedy pasts who are now transformed by Christ - new creations. I would trust them in my home, with my children, etc. My own past isn't so pretty. The point in this article is that "reformed" prostitutes (not new creations - these are just reformed, off the streets now, ex-prostitutes) are being sent into schools to teach children. Christian kids do not belong in public schools.

If an ex-prostitute has not come to Christ, imagine Christian children being taught by her in schools. Maybe she's given up the street life, but who is she now? If not a new creation, she's still just as dark as before. The whole point of the post is this ---- parents, keep them home where they belong. You have no idea whose teaching your kids (who is influencing/"teaching" them).

May. 21, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by sajolley

More thoughts on this topic on my blog.
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/sajolley/331277/
amanda

May. 21, 2007 - Transformation

Posted by Pattycake

I think this "transformation" vs. "reformation" is really key. We've talked about this a lot in our local ladies bible study. We may be able to reform some areas of our life, but only God can transform the heart.

No matter what kind of past (or present) we are talking about, I don't want anyone teaching my children if I don't know them well -- very well! As Spunky once said (and I don't know if she originated this, but it stayed with me) - "Most of us wouldn't trust just anyone to borrow our car -- why do we give them our children?" (Paraphrased, I'm sure - but the idea is there.)

Ex-whatever, what are their values now, and how did they come by them? Are they transformed or reformed? If not transformed, then -- as you say -- the heart is still dark. Too many unknowns.

Since I can't know hardly anyone THAT well (even those I've thought I'd known, I've found out I didn't know so well after all), there is only ONE option open to me, as I raise my children responsibly before God. I have to keep them home with me.

May. 21, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

My whole issue with this is what will be talked about while I'm not there. No thank you- I'm keeping them home where I can teach about all of God's children ALONG with the scriptures and prayer.

-gena
www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com