Settlement talks in Ohio school religion case

COLUMBUS (AP) — A court document indicates a teacher accused of burning the image of a cross on a student’s arm is in settlement talks with the district that fired him.

Former science teacher John Freshwater and the Mount Vernon school board asked a federal judge today for a gag order ahead of confidential negotiations.

The request in U.S. District Court in Columbus says the order is needed to promote an environment conducive to exploring resolution in the case.

The board in the central Ohio school district fired Freshwater in 2008, citing an internal investigation that found he had preached his Christian beliefs in class.

He also was accused of using a scientific device to mark a student’s arm with a cross.

Freshwater is appealing his dismissal and last year sued the school board.