Topless in Texas? Not if you teach

In a classic case of Internet overexposure, a Texas teacher has lost her job for nude photos posted online--and won over a legion of liberal-minded bloggers.

Tamara Hoover, an art teacher in Austin, Texas, was the subject of a Flickr.com pictorial that depicted her doing routine activities in the buff. She claimed artistic privilege. The school district saw things differently, saying the photos violated a "higher moral standard" expected for public school teachers.

Many in the blogosphere took a live-and-let-live stance and chastised school officials for their prudishness. A few, though, said that Hoover basically got what she deserved.

"Why anyone would think she's in the wrong here is beyond me. Art is expression and the body expresses. Simple as that. I think the real problem here is the school. Wouldn't they rather have the kids look at tasteful 'pieces of art' rather than porn pictures that objectify humans?"
--Progressive U

"'Higher moral standards' for teachers? oh my god... that's just ridiculous. They should let that women do what she wants with her private life."
--Kelewan

"But how can art be immoral? I think if you want to take these kinda of photos at home that's your business but posting them on the Internet was just asking for trouble."
--Ryan is cool by association

"Her many supporters argue that this is art not pornography, and her behavior out of work is irrelevant to her ability to teach art. How naiive!! She's in the kid business. As such a certain level of behavior is expected."
--Inquiring minds