By Jim on
Society & Culture
Freedom of Speech

First grader told to stop talking about Bible

Brynn Williams decided to bring the Star of Bethlehem that adorned the top of her family’s Christmas tree. She also worked on a one minute presentation to explain that her family’s tradition is to remember the birth of Jesus at Christmas time.

Discussion

Wed, 01/15/14

I’m really at a loss as to why so many schools don’t know the difference between free speech by students and the promotion of a specific religion by a school employee. And if they adhered to their own policies, teachers would not be allowed to comment at all about religion - they can’t dismiss it, criticize, or even mention it. The minute they do, they’ve just uttered ‘religious speech’.

Scenescape Media

Thu, 01/16/14

I don’t think the incident in the OP slanders the teacher, although I would agree that the incident you posted frames the teacher’s actions in a very unflattering and uncharitable light. These incidents can be reported without the emotional heart-string tugging.

The point is that kids are being denied their right to free speech in schools, while teachers and school officials are allowed to criticize and dismiss certain religions while promoting others. It’s glaringly inconsistent. Either students and teachers can talk about religion, or they can’t. They need to pick one and deal with it.

Scenescape Media

Sat, 02/01/14

Susan, when my son was in public school he was witnessing to a classmate. The principle called us and asked if he could stop. We decided to start homeschooling both of our kids at that time and when we went to the district to petition to homeschool they said that he has a right to witness and that the teacher or principle has no right to tell him otherwise. They were willing to pursue it if we wanted to but at that point we were decided.