Americans United for Separation of Church and State today filed a federal lawsuit, Does 1-4 v. Bossier Parish School Board, “in an attempt to end the widespread, unconstitutional promotion of Christianity throughout Bossier public schools.”
Americans United filed the lawsuit on behalf of four Bossier Parish parents whose children’s religious freedom “has been repeatedly and blatantly trampled by the religious coercion of Bossier Parish school board members, administrators, teachers and coaches,” Americans United said in a news release.
“We still have not been served with the lawsuit. We have only learned of it from the media. Once we do receive it, we will refer it to our legal counsel” said Sonja Bailes, public relations liaison for Bossier Schools.
The release said that students from elementary school to high school have been affected by violations that occurred at a variety of school-sponsored and extra-curricular events.
“Parents of all backgrounds should be able to put their trust in public schools to teach children reading and math – and to let families make their own decisions about faith,” said Richard B. Katskee, legal director of Americans United. “Unfortunately, that is not the atmosphere that Bossier Parish Schools provide. Even though the district educates a diverse community that includes all the people who come to the area to serve our nation at Barksdale Air Force Base, Bossier Parish school officials make one religion – Christianity – pervade all aspects of school life.
“Bossier teachers, coaches and administrators have put students who aren’t participating in these religious activities in an untenable position, making them targets for bullying and causing them to question their families’ beliefs,” Katskee said. “Americans United has repeatedly asked the district to create a more welcoming environment that does not promote any particular faith or promote religion over nonreligion. But school officials have refused to alter their practices. We now ask the courts to intervene on behalf of Bossier families who practice a variety of religions and faiths that deserve to be respected and protected.”
Americans United first contacted the district in June 2017 on behalf of a community member regarding student-led prayers at the Benton High School graduation, according to the news release. After more community members expressed concerns about additional activities, Americans United contacted the district again in a November 2017 letter.
The complaints listed in the lawsuit include:
- School events held at churches, often in sanctuaries or other rooms replete with religious iconography. These events have included choir and band performances, kindergarten and middle-school graduations, awards ceremonies and pregame meals for football players.
- School events, especially graduation ceremonies, often include prayers as part of the official program. Prayers may be delivered by students or by school officials, and the speakers often compel students and audience members to participate by standing, removing their caps and/or bowing their heads.
- Extensive promotion of religion within school athletic programs, including team devotionals; coaches distributing Bibles and other religious materials to student-athletes and pressuring them to attend church and mission trips; pregame prayers led by pastors in student locker rooms; prayers over stadium loudspeakers during games; and postgame prayers led by coaches on the football field.
- Teachers proselytizing in classrooms, including requiring students to recite Christian prayers or leading them in prayers; using Christian-themed videos to teach health classes; and telling a student that one must believe in Jesus to be a good person.
- Official endorsement of Christian student clubs and community events, including teachers sponsoring Fellowship of Christian Athletes clubs and encouraging students to participate by handing out promotional materials in class; promoting Bring Your Bible to School Day through banners in schools and bible verses read over an elementary school public-address system; and allowing local churches access to students during the school day to distribute religious materials and invite children to participate in religious activities.
- Teachers promoting creationism in class.
- Religious displays in classrooms and administrators’ offices.
- Choir performances that force students to sing almost exclusively Christian worship songs.
Does 1-4 v. Bossier Parish School Board was filed in the U.S. District Court in Shreveport. It also names Bossier Parish Superintendent Scott Smith as a defendant. The four parent plaintiffs are remaining anonymous to prevent further ostracism of their children.
The lawsuit was prepared by Katskee, AU Senior Litigation Counsel Eric Rothschild and AU Legal Fellow Alison Tanner with assistance from Louisiana attorney William P. Quigley, a law professor at Loyola University New Orleans.
Americans United is a religious liberty watchdog group based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1947, the organization educates Americans about the importance of church-state separation in safeguarding religious freedom.
But it makes total sense to exclude those students who believe and practice Christianity?
The students can practice Christianity, the school can’t.
STUDENT led prayer IS the “Students” practicing NOT the school!!!! SMH ??♀️
Monica Treat Gardner It would be, if they weren’t using school resources (such as the PA system) to do it. And, if you’ve read the article, you would see that the school has done far more than that, even after they were warned of the potential legal issues.
Timothy White you’re a troll
Caroline Billiot Hardly. I’m not trying to get a rise out of anyone. I’m simply explaining how this is going to go, based on previous cases. If my doing that is making you upset, that’s on you, not me.
Timothy White yeah right ? you’re the one stirring things up!
Timothy White it stating the obvious. Not trolling, actually very from from trolling. If he is upsetting you then that’s on you not liking what he’s saying, which is the truth.
Timothy White so they use the PA system? No one is forced to join. It offensive to hear a call to join other students for a prayer time? This is exactly why they are called snowflakes. This same sect who would sue for this reason are the same ones bringin lawsuits to FORCE businesses to bake a cake or make a work of art that goes against every thing they believe in and that would be offensive to God. A God I might remind you is yours too. Deny Him if you want to but He is real and he is there. Regardless the reason that there is so much filth and violence and horrors in our children’s lives in this day is because of groups like this who insist on pushing their views down our throats. No one has to join these students and there are constitutional laws in place that protect this exact thing.
Joan Taylor There are no laws that allow for a publicly funded school to promote any particular religion. And, I honestly don’t care what you think your god wants or doesn’t want. I’m discussing the law.
You can use the school pa system. Its a public item to be used. Some school pa systems are donated as well. Especially ones at football staduims
Michael Caples No, you honestly can’t. That isn’t my opinion, it’s law. Read Santa Fe ISD v. Doe.
And their whole tag line absolutely supports the absurdity of their case. No students should feel excluded because of their beliefs. Umm…..maybe someone should inform them that they are doing exactly that.
This is insane and somebody just can’t handle being whiny so they sue! Good luck with getting any money Fools!
Yeah thats all they want is money
Yep for sure, and if they don’t want to listen to a prayer let their mind wonder and stop being little whiny babies.
Well?
Well what?
Timothy White you’re a troll
The exact phrase “separation of church and state” does not appear literally in the constitution — just like “separation of powers” and “right to a fair trial” also do not appear. Yet the supreme court has used ALL of these phrases as shorthand for what the constitution DOES say (see, e.g. Cutter v. Wilkinson (2005))
Anyone trying to argue that the exact phrase doesn’t appear in the constitution is arguing out of pure ignorance; NO court opinion is based on a phrase that doesn’t appear in the constitution, and pointing out that it doesn’t exist won’t change anything.
Brian Westley No one is arguing this in court, so no one is ignorant. It is a screen shot from Wikipedia. Stop being so arrogant.
Johnneta Withem Riggs, anyone who even raises such a tired, stupid argument is ignorant.
The phrase “freedom of religion” isn’t in the Constitution either, but we accept that the concept is inherent.
It is no longer the majority rules. Because of the liberal courts & judges the minority always gets its way. I don’t agree but look at past rulings.
This country has never run on a system of “majority rules.”
Timothy White shut up
Caroline Billiot, you don’t like the first amendment, eh?
This is awful!
The school is going to lose, at it should, and now it’s only a matter of how much it’s going to cost.
Why would they win money?
The school district is going to have to pay for the lawyers on the opposing side, and court costs.
There it is….all about people just wanting money!!!! Shocker!!!?
Monica Treat Gardner Try again. No one is going to get rich off of this, but the court and the lawyers have to be paid. As the school district is going to lose, they’re the one that will have to pay.
The school is NOT going to lose!
Caroline Billiot Oh, they absolutely will. The courts, all the way to the Supreme Court, have been very clear on what public schools are not allowed to engage in when it comes to religion.
Timothy White oh they absolutely WON’T! Stop trolling!
Timothy White Jesus Christ is my Savior, NOT my religion!
Caroline Billiot If it’s not a religion, then it enjoys NO First Amendment protections, and there is no issue with ensuring that publicly funded schools (not the students, the schools) stay away from it, right?
Agreed
No one is forcing anyone! This group needs to mind their own business!
The Constitution is everyone’s business.
Timothy White shut your mouth, troll ? be in the world, not of it. That includes abiding by the Constitution. I am free in Jesus Christ!
Timothy White also, no it isn’t!
Caroline Billiot the constitution isn’t everyone’s business? ??♀️
Melissa Netherton seriously???♀️
Melissa Netherton be in the world, not of it. Yes, I abide by the Constitution, but I’m not crazy snowflakes like you and Timothy ???♀️
Question always come back to me. Kids upset or just the parents. How were those parents raised. Does it offend you to listen to others without resorting to legal means. What has made this country less is that a few people appear insulted when they can’t overcome the notion that many other people have the same concern for their kids.
I prefer public schools that follow the constitution instead of violating the religious rights of students.
Brian Westley hey troll, no one is forcing anyone!
It’s sad to me just how evil some people are…they will do anything to attack Christianity with any means necessary. Why would or should it bother anyone if their child heard a prayer? If for some reason we moved oversees to a predominately Muslim or Hindu country, I would teach my children to be respectful of others and be grateful and thankful if they offered prayer for you and be kind. Apparently others can’t be as respectful and let it go.
Kara Lolley, it’s because the US doesn’t allow the local majority religion to be pushed on other people’s children using government schools.
Bossier is one of the fastest growing parishes in our State. We are rated an A because of our administration, teachers, and parental involvement. Bossier Parish parents will stand by our School Board against this.
Stand wherever you like. The law is clear.
So answer me this, when a Muslim female wears her Habib to school and cites religion as the reason she must wear it, how is that any different? Why because Christians are not suing and demanding she not wear it!
You are comparing the private, religious actions of a student (which is protected by the constitution) vs. the actions of school officials (who have to abide by the no establishment clause).
Brian Westley no I am not, the schools have a dress code that all other children abide by, they then in turn use religion to be able to stray from that dress code. Tell me another child that gets to wear head coverings to school?
Jennifer Guile, anyone who wants to. Are you unaware of Christian and Jewish sects (like Eastern Orthodox) that also want women to cover their hair? And I’d like to see if the dress code actually requires a lack of a head scarf…
Brian Westley I would be curious about the wording also, because I know that a child that identifies as per say a “cowboy” can’t wear his hat to school. If you are going to allow head scarf strictly based on religious basis then where is the line that one is ok but the other student can’t pray to their God? And yes I am aware of other religions wanting hair covered I used the Muslim religion as an example because their religion seems to wear it more than others. My point was that no one is crying because the young lady wants to honor her religion by covering, why can’t the same be afforded the other way? If they do not want to pray they do not have to participate but a little respect goes a long way on every side of the discussions.
Jennifer Guile: “If you are going to allow head scarf strictly based on religious basis then where is the line that one is ok but the other student can’t pray to their God?”
You don’t know what you’re talking about — EVERY student can pray to their god(s). What is at issue here is when SCHOOL OFFICIALS get involved.
Brian Westley yes I do know what I am talking about, just because you don’t like my response doesn’t mean automatically you are right and I am wrong—that is what is so wrong in the world today—no one being able to see the other side or respect the other side. The argument seems to be the parents in the background that think their child may learn a different way than what they want them to believe. I want my child to know about every religion, mine and/or yours, it serves them to be a better informed individual that will be able to deal with reality when they are in the real world and learn how to think for themselves. It would appear to me that if a parent is upset that a child is “exposed” to a different religion maybe they should question their own beliefs. And God forbid any of our school officials being religious!
Jennifer Guile, no, you really do NOT know what you are talking about.
It’s not merely legal but constitutionally protected that students can pray in public school — Americans United (the organization suing) will even tell you that.
Brian Westley the students have a choice of whether or not to pray. Go back under your bridge, troll
Every prayer at the schools are student led
Michael Caples, that’s not what the lawsuit alleges.
Brian Westley when did I ever say that this was about students not being allowed to pray? I posed a simple question about a “uniform”!
If we continue to speak softly, even though a majority, then the louder voices win.
The ones arguing on the side of the constitution will win.
Brian Westley shut up ?
Brian Westley that’s right and the Constitution says Freedom of religion. Which means the govt cannot stop you from practicing your religion. If you have one, practice it. If you don’t have one, don’t. Plain and simple.
Vanessa Green Fudge, that isn’t the issue here — here, government officials are pushing religion, which is in violation of the no establishment clause.
You mean like Christians? Right!
Huh?
Bossier Parish has roughly 21,000 students enrolled in public school grades k-12. 4 parents are suing. 4 out of +21,000. 4 have a problem with what more than 21,000 people are doing. 4 people expect >21,000 to accommodate them because they are offended…..weak, cowards.
So it’s OK to violate the rights of people, as long as there aren’t very many? That’s not how the US works.
You mean like the rights of the students to pray. Those rights? The establishment SHALL MAKE NO RULE….. That works both ways.
If you don’t like the way it works for majority , home school and teach what you want them to learn.
Shellie Sipes, students still have a right to pray. Public school officials can’t broadcast prayers over the PA system or encourage students to pray.
Diane Nolen, No, that’s what you need to do. Public schools need to follow well-established law.
I’ve never seen evidence of any student being forced to be a part of or participate in religious activities. The venues offered by local churches are offered at no cost for students to perform choir and band concerts. We no longer have school auditoriums and gymnasiums are always in use for sports activities so what choice do we have? We could rent a place for every single school to use for performances at the tax payers’ expense I guess. If there are problems with the venues then who of the naysayers has a solution at a no cost venue for our children to demonstrate their talent? I’m a firm believer in choice when it comes to religion and faith or the opposite. But tax dollars only go so far when we are trying to keep the arts alive. Just because one finds a bible in a hotel drawer doesn’t mean one has to read it or believe in the words in it. And as far as the conflict between evolution and creationism, the two are definitely real world examples of compare and contrast, leaving the door open to increase knowledge in writing and in reading. Students who choose to pursue a career in law, medicine, and many other vocations will need to have the ability to inyellectually discuss the topic of faith.
Dianna Berwick Judd, “forcing” isn’t the issue — public schools can’t promote religion. And creationism isn’t a science, it doesn’t belong in science class any more than flat-earthism.
Brian Westley.. then it looks like our students will lead the way and pray, have bible study, talk about God… there is more than one way to skin a cat. I’m sure you will have some comment and tell me how wrong I am.. but personally, I don’t care.
My child will continue to pray, bow his head, and talk about God at school. Heck, I might even make a trip to every Game, event..and whatever else they have going on to say a prayer. See, I don’t work for the school so I can do that. I’m sure parents would follow suit. That’s my FREEDOM OF SPEECH according to our constitution. That way the “so called administration” won’t have anything to do with it.
Honestly, I’m so sorry you weren’t raised to accept people’s beliefs. I don’t agree with you being an Atheist, but I respect it if that’s what you believe. But, you don’t see me filing law suits on Atheists because I don’t believe the way they believe.
All I can say if that I believe in God and I will shout it from the mountain tops and even at a football game if I want. If you choose to shout that you don’t believe in God.. go for it.. You won’t bother me a bit. In the end, I know who my heart belongs too.
AMEN Melanie Newman Brown.
Melanie Newman Brown, just have the school stop violating the constitution.
“I’m sure you will have some comment and tell me how wrong I am”
No, I’ve been the one telling YOU what is legal and not legal.
“Honestly, I’m so sorry you weren’t raised to accept people’s beliefs.”
Now you’re just lying about me. You’ve been advocating for government officials to ignore the constitution and violate the religious rights of students, not me.
“But, you don’t see me filing law suits on Atheists because I don’t believe the way they believe.”
Differing beliefs have nothing to do with this issue. You still have no grasp of genuine religious freedom.
Actually you have no gasp of what religious freedom means. But then again most people don’t.
Shellie Sipes, you seem to think the majority can vote on what kind of religion a public school teaches. That’s totally wrong.
No that’s not what I think. That is what you ASSUME. I was nearly pointing out how ridiculous these 4
fragile souls are. Perhaps if they had a little more Jesus, they wouldn’t be so miserable, with such obvious empty lives. Imagine how beneficial that energy could be if it were used in a positive way, like feeding the hungry, or random acts of kindness, or love rather than filing a stupid lawsuit because someone mentioned God. God isn’t going anywhere, and the more attempt to silence God is only going to make us pray harder, louder, without ceasing. Bring it on, tell us we can’t pray or talk about out Lord, we dare you.
Brian Westley shut up ??♀️
Shellie Sipes You’re still mistating the issues at play here. No one, and I do mean no one, is trying to stop students from engaging in their religious beliefs, even at school. What is at issue is that neither school officials, nor the school itself, can take any part in that. I, personally, can’t understand why anyone would want any part of the government anywhere near their religious beliefs. It’s not as it it’s ever been a good steward of morality or ethics.
Brian Westley I do know and understand WHAT FREEDOM MEANS. Again, you are saying it’s the schools breaking a law. I do understand what you are saying. It’s a law. But, When it comes to my Freedom of Speech, The people of Bossier Parish..not the people who are employed by the state and work for the school system, will exercise that amendment and we Will go PRAY AND BOW OUR HEADS before every game. The students have the right to join In. It’s your right to remove yourself from the situation if you don’t like it. That’s what I’m saying.
Again, I’m very sorry you weren’t raised to respect others belief. Have a blessed day.
Timothy, it’s ok to pray at work. It’s ok to FREELY worship anywhere. Always has been, until snow flakes got offended. Just like in God we trust on the money, 10 commandments at the courthouse, One Nation under God…….. the idea of our forefathers was that NO ONE was forced or prohibited anywhere. Every public Shool in the Country started the day off with the pledge of allegiance and a prayer at one time, as well as every game, assembly, and function. The list goes on.
Our schools still do. Only know the prayer is a moment of silence, so any religion can pray. We still have a prayer at football games. Student led prayer is not the issue in this suit. It is the teachers handing out or teaching their religion in school which is wrong. Teachers and staff should be neutral so all students can have their beliefs. For a teacher to say Christianity is the only way or that their is no Christianity is completely wrong. They should keep their personal beliefs personal. If there was a Muslim, Jewish or atheist teacher telling the kids this was the only way the whole community would be up in arms. I understand Christians feel like they are being attacked but look at the bigger picture here. Take your personal feelings out of it. How would you feel if you were in a predominately atheist community and this is what they were promoting in school and there were only 4 Christian kids and yours was one of them. Would you sue? I would! I want the right to let my children believe whatever they want. I don’t want the teachers to choose for them. We have our own religious discussions at home and they are free to believe how ever they want. I won’t force my beliefs on anyone. I will discuss how I believe the way I do. If it changes someone’s thinking great if not then that is fine too. A different religion doesn’t make them bad, it makes them different!
No I wouldn’t sue, I’d point my kids to the bible, I’d make sure my kid put the full armor of God on every morning, and I’d tell my Child what a blessing it is for God to use you. I’d tell them they were put here with these atheist to let God’s light shine through you, so you can be an example of God’s Love. I’d show them this very thing is prophesied in the bible, and how the power of prayer changes everything, so pray for those who persecute you. Here is your chance, now go make them want some of what you got. You can’t silence a true Christian. Salvation and lost souls are far more important than any job. You think school is a racquet now, with shootings, bullying, suicides, take the praying teachers out and see what happens. If a student is seeking or hungry for Jesus, it’s a Christians God given responsibility to feed them, at all cost. That is what faith is all about Kathy Jo Butenschoen. Not law suits. Ya may want to see what Corinthians says about law suits.
Don’t judge me. I don’t need to look up anything. There is nothing wrong with praying teachers. But they can’t tell the students to pray to just one God. I am a Christian but I am open minded enough to see that there is line! School needs to be a safe place NO MATTER what religion you are!!! That is the point of this suit. Don’t push just one. There is a school in another parish up in arms right now because a teacher is telling her Christian students God doesn’t exist and didn’t create the world, science did. That is JUST as wrong! A schools job is to teach, not shove their personal beliefs down children’s throats!
Science has BEEN teaching that. I had the same debate in science class 25 years ago. Creation vs evolution has always been a thing. No one and I repeat NO ONE is being made to do anything, believe anything, or participate in anything. As long as that isn’t happening, why do people have such a hard time conversating about faith? Would this get the same support if we refused to let homosexual students or teachers and staff display, discuss, show any behavior, literature, or conversations, that would suggest a homosexual lifestyle because one little girl got offended? No that would be ridiculous, just as hushing Christians is ridiculous.
I have no problem if people are conversating about it. That is not what is being portrayed in the above article. The other school in question the teacher actually told the student God didn’t exist. I was taught Creation vs Evolution as well. My teacher didn’t reveal any personal beliefs nor did he tell us ours were wrong. That is the issue I have. Don’t tell my child that God is not real or that her religion is the wring one and your is right period.
My science teacher told me the same thing. My son’s told him the same thing. More than one of them. 25 years ago before precious wittle feelings got hurt, we could ha e open discussions about faith, evolution, and Science that was actually healthy and a learning experience. We were much more tolerant then. Several of my teachers openly didn’t believe in God and several openly did. This is nothing more than the result of a bunch of whiny little coddled brats. What USED to be the beauty of public schools is it gave children the opportunity to interact with ALL walks of life, peers and administration of all religions, all faiths, all genders, all disabilities, all types this expanding the mind, while promoting critical thinking and tolerance. Furthermore, from a Christian standpoint, if your worried about what nonbelievers say to your child, I’d have to question how stable you really are in your beliefs. Once you have discovered God and his grace, nothing anyone says to you will cause you to waver, if anything it would just set your light on fire. Usually children who live in the presence of the Holy Spirit have the strongest unwavering faith, so much so it’s an example of how faith should truly work. Be steadfast and stand firm. Anything less is Luke warm
Melanie Newman Brown, no, you don’t know what freedom means. Freedom ALSO means that government employees like public school teachers don’t misuse their position to push their religion on other people’s children.
Shellie Sipes True, until the Supreme Court ruled that it wasn’t ok. Things change.
https://m.aclj.org/search?q=Religious+liberty+in+schools+
They need this powerful group to handle this one!
Nope
Mary Thornton nope
I bet they don’t have a problem with In God We Trust on the money, smh!
Actually, yes, they do. So far, judges have said that “god” isn’t religious. Congratulations on getting your god declared irrelevant.
Brian Westley God is relevant on money because Our Country Government is structured from God’s laws and principles. So, if you living in this country your daily ways of life is based on the principles of God. So, Congratulations it’s called History and you can find out information through research!
Matilyn James-Burks, nope, your god’s commandments are incompatible with the US constitution. The first amendment contradicts the first commandment, for one thing.
Brian Westley ; please read History
Matilyn James-Burks, that’s not an argument. Notice that the first commandment orders you which god to worship, and that this contradicts the first amendment.
Brian Westley ; Read The History Of Our Great Nation from the beginning of its establishment
Matilyn James-Burks, that doesn’t appear to be an actual book, and in any case it doesn’t contradict my original point.
Brian Westley All you have to do is read the complete history of the constitution and the guidelines behind the founding fathers establishing it. Remember everything start with something! Have fun reading and I am finished because I have studied this information already!
You haven’t come up with one argument, just your assertions. Your bible tells people to obey the rulers your god puts over them (the divine right of kings); the US was founded on a revolution against a king.
Brian Westley shut up, troll!
Brian Westley False, I am glad you found something that sounds good and you like!
Caroline Billiot , I bet he says the Pledge of Allegiance along with everyone he knows!
Matilyn James-Burks he’s trying to get under everyone’s skin. He’s a troll
Caroline Billiot , I no because everyone knows that the constitution was built off the principles of God!
Matilyn James-Burks Yep!
Caroline Billiot , …. So Help Me God!
Matilyn James-Burks No, it really wasn’t. But, I understand you’ve been lead to believe that, and it brings you some sort of comfort. I just prefer an uncomfortable truth to a comfortable lie.
Matilyn James-Burks, no, I don’t say the pledge of allegiance.
I played sports at Benton, the coaches never once made us pray. They asked us if we’d like to join in prayer before a game or after practice and everyone did. The FCA, fellowship of Christian athletes also sponsors a lot of the events. No one is forced to go, no one is forced to pray. Religion was never once forced upon me in the 13 years i attended a bossier parish school.
You didn’t have Kevin Flatman in your grade.
Tyler McLane he lead the prayer normally before games lol
That guy was the biggest bible pusher I ever knew. He knew there was a select few of us that were open about being atheist. He would show up to my calculus class, which he wasn’t even in, and try to preach about God.
I’m not big on religion at all, he never tried to push religion on me. Lol
I’ve got zero problem with people practicing their religion in school, but it’s people like him that cause lawsuits like this.
I don’t like the people that try to shove religion down your throat but i never had an experience like that in school, especially by anyone that worked for the school.
Teacher wise, no none of them did.
Does the choir sing religious songs? Do teachers hand out bibles? Do they hold programs in churches? This is where they will lose. Not student lead prayer. Do they had out Christian literature in class? If they do, do they hand out other religions too? How would parents feel if there was a Muslim or Jewish teacher doing the same? I am all for prayer but the church and state law is real. As Americans we do have a right to go to school without that worry. I know we a majorly a Christian based country but think about if it was happening with a different religion. Would you be ok then? Or if the school shunned a student for being a Christian? There is a fine line on this. Teachers should not ever teacher their or give their religious beliefs. All students should be allowed to pray to whomever their God is without criticism. These are some serious accusations in the lawsuit. If they are true the school is in trouble. Just saying.
You Dorks don’t even realize that “The Separation of Church and State” was to keep the State out of the Church not the Church out of the State!
You Liberals are trying to keep us from having our Freedoms and Customs and trying to send Kids to Hell along the way!
Quit trying to be a Bully!
No, we’re trying to ensure that government leaves your religion alone. It’s sad that you think the government should have a hand in what you or your children believe.
Let those students keep doing prayer.For the others they can walk away.Don’t spoil this because of a few,freedom of speech.Stand up for your right to be a Christian.
Students can pray; the lawsuit is over the actions of school officials, who have to be neutral.
Why don’t they come out and say what it is they really want. They want to take away all faith and hope from communities so that they can turn this country Communist. It’s in the play book. I mean no one would be against teaching a kid do not steal, love every one of your brothers, honor your mother and father, do not kill etc. unless they had an agenda behind it.
If your kid feels left out and sad because people are enjoying serving God, then you suck as a parent. If you have instilled a good self esteem in them, then they shouldn’t be worried about what everyone else is doing. It’s none of their business. They are not being made to pray so shut up and mind your business.
No, the FFRF really wants public school officials to follow the constitution. These violations still occur all over the US, and the FFRF knows the law.
What’s so hard about following the constitution? Why do you WANT teachers to push their religion on other people’s children?
Brian Westley they are not pushing it on anyone. It’s the same way it’s been since the Constitution was written. People are just now deciding to bitch about it. If you dont want to pray don’t pray. Shut up and stop trying to stop others from praying. The teachers do not have a mandatory Christian class. That would be pushing religion on people. You demanding them to act like they are not Christian is forcing your atheism on them. Mind your own business. Christianity has never hurt anyone. It teaches love and kindness. If it was teaching killing or hate then you should worry that your kids are around someone who is practicing it.
The Constitution says Freedom of Religion not Freedom from religion. That means you can pray to whomever you want. It didn’t say you never have to be exposed to someone else praying.
Vanessa Green Fudge The Constitution does NOT say “freedom of religion.” That phrase is nowhere to be found in that document. However, how can you call something a freedom if you not also free from it? Are you not free from the unwanted influence of other religions trough government promotion?
The Bill of rights are part of the constitution.
Vanessa Green Fudge Yes it is. Can you highlight or underline the phrase “freedom of religion?”
GOD’S NOT DEAD! He’s alive! Jesus Christ is alive too! Heaven and Hell are real and Satan is real! EVERYTHING IN THE BIBLE IS TRUE! It’s NOT outdated, yeah, it was written by men…and a woman(Esther), but the same men AND woman LIVED AND WITNESSED ALL THAT HAPPENED! God spoke to them in different ways and He still does today!
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