I am not a lawyer, but -
My understanding is that this sort of situation is due to a misinterpretation of
the United States Constitution and the judicial rulings on how it applies to
schools. The 1st Amendment to the Constitution states that "Congress shall make no
law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise
thereof". This establishment clause has been interpreted to extend to all
government levels, including schools.
However, while the law is that the government, or its representatives - teachers,
administrators - cannot force religion upon students, it is equally true that they
may not force lack of religion. That is, a teacher may not hold Bible readings for
the purpose of promoting religion, or lead prayers, or otherwise promote any
particular religion or religion in general BUT, equally, they may not forbid
students from private expressions of their religion which do not intrude on the
rights of other students not to be imposed upon. Unfortunately, many
schools/teachers are so aware of the rules about not imposing
(establishing/promoting) religion that they over-extend the idea and attempt to
forbid private expressions, such as quietly reading the Bible, by students.
All of this only applies to the U.S., of course. Other countries have other laws.
Kathryn
--
Kathryn Frech, Librarian
Seton Catholic Central H.S.
Binghamton, NY 13905
http://www.setoncchs.com/library/
________________________________________
From: School Library Media & Network Communications [LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On
Behalf Of Barbara Braxton [barbara.288@BIGPOND.COM]
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 3:53 PM
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: Re: Reading the Bible on public school campus
I have no opinion on this matter at all (at the moment) because I don't have enough
information to
develop one. Could someone please explain to me why these students " have been
told by several
staff members that they are not allowed to do this on school campus"? I am
assuming the campus is a
government school.
Is this something in the vein of little ones not being allowed to have Nativity
plays come
Christmas?
It sounds like it could be the beginning of another discussion to bounce around
OZTL_NET so I can
share perspectives.
Barbara
Barbara Braxton
Teacher Librarian
COOMA NSW 2630
AUSTRALIA
E. barbara.288@bigpond.com
Together we learn from each other
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