much of the trial was devoted to eliciting the facts outlined above. acanfora testified regarding the philosophy that guided him in his professional role as a teacher. he explained in his testimony that in his view it would be wholly inappropriate for a teacher to discuss his sexual orientation with students. he would not, and had not, discussed any aspects of sexuality either with students or fellow faculty members. he would not advocate, and had not advocated, that any other person participate in homosexual activities. asked how, if he were reinstated, he would respond to students who might inquire about his homosexuality. acanfora testified that he would tell students that he did not inquire into their personal lives and that he wished them not to inquire into his. acanfora's supervisor testified that his teaching performance had been wholly satisfactory. students of acanfora testified that he was a popular and effective teacher and that they hoped he would be reinstated. students and faculty alike had sponsored petitions urging montgomery county schools to reinstate him. (both the local montgomery county education association and the national education association, the largest teachers' group in the u.s., lent their support.) the record contained no evidence that any students, parents, or faculty members objected to his reinstatement at the time.