Judge: School must allow 'God' on posters

[1cooldude]

LEBANON, Tenn., May 3 A federal judge has ruled that a Tennessee school district must allow a parents group to refer to God in posters for a student prayer meeting.

Last year, another judge found that Wilson County had given the group, Praying Parents, too much freedom to distribute materials at schools, The Nashville Tennessean reported Saturday. U.S. District Judge Robert Echols found Friday that the school district could not censor phrases like "In God We Trust" and "God Bless America" from the posters.

"We are elated with the judge's ruling," said Nate Kellum, a lawyer with the Alliance Defense Fund, which represented parents of five children at Lakeview Elementary School. "We don't anticipate any more legal action with Wilson County."

Echols said the school policy must be "reasonable, viewpoint-neutral, and in accordance with federal law."


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[YWD67]

You can bet your ass that if the poster had been of a non-christian religion that it would have been labled as a pro-terrorist satan loving group and the religious defense counsel would hav nothing to do with it.

[1cooldude]

Interpretation of the law can have such extremes, it worries me that those who preside can pass such decisions.

[mountain_rage]

You can bet your ass that if the poster had been of a non-christian religion that it would have been labled as a pro-terrorist satan loving group and the religious defense counsel would hav nothing to do with it.

As long as all religious beliefs are allowed to be presented at the school than I see no problem. If an atheist group pops up and these parents object than I hope it gets blasted all over the media that they are arrogant hypocrites.

[Signa]

From what was posted here, I don't have an issue either. If some Christian students want to get together and socialize under the guise of prayer, let them. As long as they aren't going to other students and telling them they have to join, or worse, convincing the rest of the school to enforce attendance, this should be no different than chess club.

[1cooldude]

As long as all religious beliefs are allowed to be presented at the school than I see no problem. If an atheist group pops up and these parents object than I hope it gets blasted all over the media that they are arrogant hypocrites.

From what was posted here, I don't have an issue either. If some Christian students want to get together and socialize under the guise of prayer, let them. As long as they aren't going to other students and telling them they have to join, or worse, convincing the rest of the school to enforce attendance, this should be no different than chess club.

Unfortunately, I do not see any reason for any religion to come into school under any guise. There are too many instances where one group decides to run the show and the school administrators are then placed in a difficult situation,.

[mountain_rage]

Unfortunately, I do not see any reason for any religion to come into school under any guise. There are too many instances where one group decides to run the show and the school administrators are then placed in a difficult situation,.

I agree, it always ends in one group thinking they have the right to guide the direction of the school, and that is when issues arise. Some people just need to learn that public school is no place for the indoctrination of children. If you want your children to learn in a purely religious environment send them to a private school. Sadly too many religious fanatics believe they have the right to censor evolution, sex ed and equality from the curriculum and present religious values instead. Its sad that someone thinks science is the same thing as religion.

[Signa]

I agree, it always ends in one group thinking they have the right to guide the direction of the school, and that is when issues arise. Some people just need to learn that public school is no place for the indoctrination of children. If you want your children to learn in a purely religious environment send them to a private school. Sadly too many religious fanatics believe they have the right to censor evolution, sex ed and equality from the curriculum and present religious values instead. Its sad that someone thinks science is the same thing as religion.

In theory, I completely disagree with you. There isn't anything wrong with some kids doing what they love to do together if it's harmless. It's a perfect way to make friends and keep out of trouble.

In reality though, I think you are right. If you're nutty enough to bring prayer/worship everywhere you go, even where it can be construed as hostile, then problems will arise. Even in best circumstances, things like religion have people all over the spectrum, and could start fights based on the variations of how to worship and what beliefs are correct. I think the judge's ruling was still correct, but the prayer club needs to be under constant supervision to make sure they don't abuse their win, or that undue drama arises. People like that are so oblivious, and they are playing with fire by starting the club and they don't know it.

[1cooldude]

In theory, I completely disagree with you. There isn't anything wrong with some kids doing what they love to do together if it's harmless. It's a perfect way to make friends and keep out of trouble.

It's not what kids will do and how they treat each other; it's what the adults of these kids will do and how they start to monopolize this freedom. If everyone was well 'footed' and understand each other and the responsibilities that go with these freedoms I would not have any problems with their position.

In reality though, I think you are right. If you're nutty enough to bring prayer/worship everywhere you go, even where it can be construed as hostile, then problems will arise. Even in best circumstances, things like religion have people all over the spectrum, and could start fights based on the variations of how to worship and what beliefs are correct. I think the judge's ruling was still correct, but the prayer club needs to be under constant supervision to make sure they don't abuse their win, or that undue drama arises. People like that are so oblivious, and they are playing with fire by starting the club and they don't know it.
As m-r already pointed out, it seems almost predictable that given the religious right there will be an attack on the scientific point of view and an expectation that the public system should support their agenda.

It is very hard to please all the people when some have their own private needs.