Court puts hold on flawed policy in ‘In God We Trust’ school censorship case
We read:
"A federal court Friday suspended a policy used by Wilson County Schools officials to censor “In God We Trust” and other phrases referencing God and prayer on posters in the hallways of Lakeview Elementary School. The court determined that parents and students represented by Alliance Defense Fund attorneys who filed suit against the school board are likely to succeed in their claims and ordered the policy halted while the case moves forward in court.
“Christian students shouldn’t be censored for expressing their beliefs,” said ADF Senior Counsel Nate Kellum. “It’s ridiculous as well as unconstitutional to cover up these references to God and prayer--one of which is the National Motto itself--on posters announcing a student-led activity. The court certainly did the right thing in making sure that this censorship doesn’t continue while it considers this case.”
At a hearing April 20, Kellum asked the court to issue a preliminary injunction in the case, Gold v. Wilson County School Board, and the court Friday granted the injunction. The order means that parents and students will be permitted to post uncensored posters for the upcoming National Day of Prayer.
According to the order issued by the court, “Mere receipt of an invitation to a religious activity does not rise to the level of support for, or participation in, religion or its exercise to create an Establishment Clause problem.”
The posters were hand-drawn by students and their families to announce “See You at the Pole,” a voluntary, student-led prayer event held outside of class time. The American Civil Liberties Union previously sued the school to stop it from recognizing such events, including “See You at the Pole” and the National Day of Prayer. In May 2008, a federal judge refused to grant the ACLU’s request.
Each year, students and parents affiliated with Lakeview Elementary School in Mt. Juliet have placed posters in the hallways of the school informing students of the “See You at the Pole” event. This year, each poster, made on personal time without the use of any school funds or supplies, included the disclaimer: “See You at the Pole is a student-initiated and student-led event and is not endorsed by Lakeview Elementary or Wilson County schools.” Nevertheless, the students and their parents were ordered to cover up references to God and prayer and any Scripture passages on the posters or else they could not be posted.
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10 comments:
Leave it to the anti-American, anti-God, aclu. (notice they never tell you the name of the person making the original complaint) You can bet your life that, had those posters announced a jewish or Muslim event, the aclu would have fought tooth and nail to keep them up. This is clearly an organization that has lived far too long.
Perhaps a shred of common sense from the court? Why would the ACLU fight against this anyway? It is obvious that the school is not sponsoring this. Not that it would be so bad if they did. A National Day of Prayer can include all religions and those that are not religious do not have to participate.
No one is forced to participate in this event or, for that matter, to read the posters. Thankfully, the court believes we still have a right to express our religious belief in this country. As for the ACLU, let it happily consider this an event demonstrating "multi-culturalism" and "diversity," a part of the mosaic it celebrates.
"A National Day of Prayer can include all religions and those that are not religious do not have to participate."
Let's also have a National Day of Reason for the rest of us.
Anon 5:59, the ACLU is fighting this because it gives them another opportunity to bash Christians, something they rarely pass-up.
"Let's also have a National Day of Reason for the rest of us."
But you see, every other day IS a Day of Reason for the rest of you.
The United States was settled by Christians. Read Columbus' letter to Spain. Read the Mayflower Compact.
The United States broke away from England on Godly principles. Read the Declaration of Independence.
United States schools were founded by churches, and children were taught Christian values. Read the New England Primer.
Or is reading factual, historical material beyond reason?
Why is it so hard to understand that the united States is a Christian country? Oh wait, our illustrious President told the whole world that we aren't. F***er.
I thought the British colonies in America broke away on matters of taxation and representation, not religion.
Yeah, I was under that delusion too.
"But you see, every other day IS a Day of Reason for the rest of you. "
Which shows how much prayer rates in affecting the outcome of day to day situations.
A winning player after the Superbowl: "Thank you Jesus.You have answered my prayers. We couldn't have won without out.
A losing player after the Superbowl: "What gives, Jesus! I prayed and went to church. You made us lose. Thanks for nothing."
Yeah, with all the problems in the world Jesus should be asked to help win a mere game. How selfish - how primitive. Is Jesus a feudal lord to beg personal favors from?
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