This article discusses a Colorado school which recently prohibited a student's practice of religion on campus. This student, senior Chase Windebank, has lead a prayer group with his friends for the three previous years of his career at Pine Creek High School during a class period that the school calls "seminar." During a portion of this period, students are given free time in which they can discuss with their friends "virtually unlimited topics, i.e., TV shows, sports teams, upcoming test, politics." However, the school has banned Windeback from discussing anything to do with religion, citing the First Amendment "applied by the 14th Amendment." Pine Creek also stated that topics for discussion must connect to a class; if this is true, than religious conversations would not be allowed because the school is not able to teach classes on religion.
Stories like this are such great reminders to me of how grateful I am to be enrolled in a Catholic school where my faith can be expressed and nurtured. I am interested to see if the school and Windeback will resolve this on their own, or if more news on this particular issue will follow. So far, it is difficult to say who is right; much depends on the validity of the statement that topics must be drawn from classes taught at Pine Creek. It is a fairly complicated fight, as all separation-of-church-and-state issues are; however, simplified, it really boils down to the conclusion of the article: "Schools may not preach religion. They also may not oppress any student's free exercise thereof." I'm interested to see how far this fight will go.
Wow. This is so crazy!! I can't believe they can ban a student from talking about his religion. It's not like the school is promoting religion or anything; you'd think that under "freedom of speech" and "freedom of religion" this kid would be able to discuss religious things with his peers, regardless of whether he's in a school setting or not. I agree with Abbey -- I am grateful to be in the school I am in, and I'm curious to see how far this goes. I also wonder how next year will be in college when we're not necessarily surrounded by our faith and encouraged to display it.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that schools can restrict their students this much because everyone should be able to express their beliefs. Also, if he was just discussing religion to a fellow classmate, so what? No one is teaching religion or imposing beliefs so he should be able to talk to his peer. I agree with both Payton and Abbey in that I am curious to see if there will be any challenge to this decision and if parents agree or disagree with the school's actions. In regards to what Payton said I am also curious to see how college life will be next year because we will no longer be surrounded with students that share our beliefs.
ReplyDeleteWhile I really hate to admit it, the school board may have a point. After reading the article, I noticed that the school claims that the seminar in question must contain "curriculum related material". Since teaching any form of religion is banned in a public school curriculum, it would makes sense to not let this kid discuss religion during this time. I just wanted to elucidate this even though I am not at all for the school district's manner of handling this. The school is way too high strung about this situation and protecting their separation rules. Let 'em talk and discuss what they want. It'll improve debating skills which will lead to better overall learning.
ReplyDeleteSince this is in a specific class during school, I can see why the school wants them to discuss school topics. However, if this was not an official class, the students should be allowed to discuss whatever they want. I would recommened the the students that were restricted to hold religious conversations right after school or during lunch. I agree with all the other comments that we are lucky to go to this school.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that they even attempt to take this right away! We, as Americans, have the right to freely exercise any religious beliefs! If this is a public school, I think students should be treated as any other citizen, otherwise oppression occurs.
ReplyDeleteThis is so stupid. Just because it's a public school doesn't mean it should be able to virtually suppress people's first amendment rights. I think that people should be able to say whatever they wish since this is America and we have things like "freedom of speech" and "freedom of religion", but I guess these public school pillocks dont understand what those mean.
ReplyDeleteI think there is such a double standard in America. People are encouraged to embrace gay rights, diversity, and the absence of religion, but when someone wants to be an advocate for their faith or just practice it they are condemned. I find it completely ridiculous and a major violation of constitutional rights.
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