Allow religious clubs to meet at schools
I urge the Guilford County school board to encourage the growth of programs such as Campus Life. My son joined this club at his school. It functions as a Bible study group, coupled with activities. Because our religious faith is important to our family, I was pleased he was given this opportunity.
Campus Life sponsors "Friday Night Out." This awesome event could be used throughout our community as a model for other youth groups. The young people were in a positive setting that allowed them to learn about the Bible and to connect the lessons to teamwork, leadership, positive communication, respect and accountability.
When I asked why programs like this aren't in other schools, I was given a variety of reasons, but one stands out: "Schools aren't supposed to combine religion with education." I have a hard time with this because our country was founded on religious freedom — both the freedom to practice religion and the freedom to not have it forced on us. If religious clubs or programs are going to make a positive difference in children's lives, then our schools should consider making changes that will allow, but not force, them to meet just as other clubs are allowed.
Tabitha McGeachy
Greensboro
Comments (9)
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When pursuing programs like this that "aren't in other schools" ... perhaps if we stopped arguing "Our country was founded on religious freedom ... " and asked others to consider: "There is a community building that sits idle - it makes sense to put it to community use during off hours."
I dunno - makes sense to me.
Posted on February 3, 2008 5:47 AM
Who pays the bill to run the HVAC, lights, etc. during the otherwise idle time? Is that my tax dollars? If so, then we could face the issue of preference and exclusion. My usual test for this kind of thing is, if you replace "Bible" with "Koran", does it still get the thumbs up? If so, then I'm probably okay with it. If not, then expect to hear from the ACLU.
Posted on February 3, 2008 8:26 AM
"Schools aren't supposed to combine religion with education."
This statement is not true. Had the person who said it said "The government is not supposed to endorse nor pay for any specific religious teaching.", it would have been more accurate. The money to pay for a "free" education for our children comes from all taxpayers, not just Christians. Therefore, why would anyone expect schools to support only Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Mormon or any other religions over the other? Religion is a private enterprise/choice, not a public issue.
James is spot on. Use a community (privately owned) center or church fellowship hall for such meetings. This should not affect a child's participation if the child is serious about belonging to that kind of club. This way, everyone wins.
I have a firm, unshakable faith in God. I simply feel what is mine is mine and I don't need to force my belief on others to make it mine. Being Christian, I would not appreciate others trying to choose any other religion for my child. When they reach the age to make their own decisions, they are free to choose anything they desire.
Posted on February 3, 2008 8:42 AM
Howie and Yvonne, remember this story a few days ago? Since this fundraising was for a nativity scene (clearly a religious symbol), and it was conducted on school property during school hours, was it inappropriate? "Schools aren't supposed to combine religion with education.", but this clearly was. Was this a case of preference and exclusion? Perhaps, there should have been a fund drive for all other religions as well?
"The Nativity scene at Greensboro College was vandalized beyond repair last year, and the students at Eastern Guilford Middle School showed great commitment to raise money for a replacement.
On Dec. 17, collection containers provided by a parent were placed in every classroom. Students and staff were encouraged to place change or other donations in the containers. The class that collected the most money during the two-week period was Ms. Needham's class.
The total amount raised by Eastern Middle students was $500. Needham's class traveled to Greensboro College on Jan. 24 and presented the check to Craven Williams, president of Greensboro College, during the Founder's Day Ceremony.
The students were later treated to lunch provided by the Stoney Creek McDonald's restaurant.
We are all very proud of the dedication demonstrated by our students, staff, parents and community"
Posted on February 3, 2008 9:15 AM
ORR,
"Was it inappropriate?" I'm not sure. I'll answer as I suggested above. If a parent places jars in every classroom to replace a statue from a Buddhist temple or repair a mosque that's been vandalized, will the school allow it? If so, then it seems reasonable. If the school only allows certain religions to be represented, then we have a government organization (the school) showing preference. So that is obviously not okay.
It's a simple test really, and works in most cases like this.
Posted on February 3, 2008 9:41 AM
ORR,
I concur, basically, with what Howie posted. However, putting collection jars in classrooms for any reason is not the same thing, to me anyway, as providing a space for religious indoctrination.
Posted on February 3, 2008 10:36 AM
Test entry.
Posted on February 4, 2008 9:30 AM
Test, test. Was everyone else unable to post yesterday afternoon? I tried to post on today's letters and get an error message.
Posted on February 4, 2008 9:39 AM
i tried posting to this thread last evening but it didn't work either.
Posted on February 4, 2008 2:21 PM