I agree that the teacher shouldn't have shown Brokeback. But that kind of suit is a bit out there.

Now, I can see how the film could distress a child, but not because there's gay men in it. There are a few rather violent scenes. Like the three screens of brutal attacks on gay men (one showing a man's jeans bloodied because he's had his penis ripped off in addition to having his face smashed in and left to rot in the wilderness). Then there's the bar fights and a few domestic violence type scenes. It would freak out a kid that's only 12 (and under age for the rating).

I can see why the teacher wanted to show it. It is a good film, but it would play hell getting viewed on university campuses, let alone compulsory school. Unfortunately, if you try to show a film about gays in the states, you won't be able to show most in public schools - almost automatic R rating applied to such films, regardless of other content.