Navasota school board members will take a "proactive" approach in ensuring that religious activity in schools follows federal law in response to a request for information from the American Civil Liberties Union, officials said Tuesday.
ACLU officials said the request was filed in response to "complaints about teachers participating in religious extracurricular clubs, displaying crosses and other religious items on their clothing and in their classrooms, and about distribution of Gideon Bibles in Navasota schools."
School board President John Price declined to give details about the complaints, saying, "I don't want to put information that may identify anyone out there."
Price said the district would host training sessions to clarify policies regarding the practice of religion in schools.
"We want to make sure that our faculty and our staff have a clear understanding of the role of religion in schools and what's proper and what's not proper," he said.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas submitted a written request for information about teachers' religious activities to district officials on June 25, asking that the information be delivered by Thursday as required by the Texas Public Information Act.
The four-page letter asks for information and documents in 18 areas, including the distribution of religious information and Gideon Bibles, staff members wearing religious clothing or symbols, prayer at staff meetings and religious discrimination or harassment in schools. School officials said they were working to comply with the ACLU's request.
District officials released a statement June 25 after receiving the ACLU's request.
The statement refers to "recent allegations that a few members of our district staff may not have a full understanding of [Navasota Independent School District] policy and the proper role of religion in public schools."
"When allegations of possible improprieties recently surfaced, the district took immediate steps to investigate and take corrective measures," the statement says.
Price said the district had learned of a complaint shortly before receiving the ACLU's request and had already began to plan staff training to resolve the issue.
The board president sent a letter to Navasota teachers and staff Tuesday saying the ACLU's request gave the district an opportunity to take "proactive steps, including upcoming training, refinement of policy and clarification of practices -- aimed at ensuring our school community has a solid understanding of the role of religion in public schools."
The letter outlines nine examples of when religious activity is and is not appropriate in schools or among staff members.
Bert Miller, Navasota's mayor and a board member of the Education Foundation, said he didn't know what prompted the ACLU's request but that he was impressed by Price's letter.
"I'm just glad they're taking action and taking it immediately and not putting it aside or not dealing with it," he said.
Texas ACLU Public Education Director Dotty Griffith said the request did not indicate that legal action would be taken against the district.
"We are not about litigation in this case," she said. "We are simply asking for information, and we evaluate whatever steps -- if any are necessary -- to take based on the information that we get."
62 comment(s) found!
Posted by:
Navasota resident On:
Sunday, July 26, 2009 10:09 AM
Comment Title:
I attended the Navasota ISD's monthly public meeting Monday evening. On the written agenda was the ACLU religion-in-school investigation case, and also on the written agenda was an opening prayer (which they ended "in Jesus' name we pray"). These leaders, who cannot put one and one together and come up with two, are responsible for educating the children in this community. They are showing the kids how to be defiant and disregard the law. Then they wonder why crime is such a problem in Navasota. It is a very sad state of affairs. And new blood isn't welcome here. You can bet your last dime that the new NISD Superintendent will be a Navasota insider (and probably a white male).
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, July 11, 2009 8:07 PM
Comment Title: study more, pray less
where did you read that the ACLU is using satanic anything for any reason? and you saw a school shooting where people were praying to God? doesn't that show you that prayer and shooting can go hand-in-hand? your intelligence is showing.
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, July 11, 2009 3:15 AM
Comment Title:
are any students forced to worship or be a part of the club? I love how the aclu uses satanic cults as an excuse to force god out. The last time i saw a school shooting, people were praying to GOD! This country was founded on GOD and no one is forcing them to join these clubs. Whether you believe in God or not, if you follow those principles, you are considered a good human being and a good person. Yes, we are not perfect, but what is wrong with the principles of being a good person? As far as i am concerned, the aclu is a huge part of why this country is losing its values and morality! I thought this country was a democracy where the people decide, not the few "whiners" that talk about inclusion.
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Posted by:
On:
Friday, July 10, 2009 10:24 PM
Comment Title: To You are wrong
Yes, we can meet, and I can sponsor the club as a teacher. My question is: Are you OK with my wearing my club t-shirt into the classroom to teach your children? Remember - I'm the teacher, and I'm wearing a Satanic Cult t-shirt to class. And the bibles are not being handed out at club meetings, they are being distributed by the Gideons who come onto school campuses during lunch time and set up a table in the school courtyard. ALL OF THE STUDENTS are exposed to this. Not club members. And if a crucufix is on a teacher's wall, it is there for everyone to see. It is also not a club thing. You need to read more carefully before you post hostile messages. Reread the article above, and go all the way to the bottom of these posts and read your way up. You've missed something. The LAW is not on the side of the teacher or the school.
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Posted by:
On:
Friday, July 10, 2009 6:49 PM
Comment Title:
The Constitution prohibits a State Religion, not that any religion is prohibited. Bring on your American Atheist and Satan worship, they can meet also.
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Posted by:
On:
Friday, July 10, 2009 6:48 PM
Comment Title: You are wrong
The students have every right to have whatever clubs they want. Had I known this was school club related rather than handing out books in classroom I would have shouted nonsense. Fellowship of Christian Athletes has ever right to organize and meet on campus. And yes if you have a school club for Satanic meetings then you should be permitted to meet as well. Doubt you could gather a forum, most folks like you have no friends and are losers so no one wants to be around you but other losers. Sorry but the truth sometimes is painful.
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Posted by:
On:
Friday, July 10, 2009 5:59 PM
Comment Title: To Navasota Resident
Will NISD allow me to teach there and sponsor a Satanic Cult Drama Club and wear my t-shirt to class on meeting days? How about sponsoring an Atheism is Americanism Athletics Club and wearing my t-shirt to class on meeting days? The point is, they are promoting the Christian religion, and they should not.
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Posted by:
On:
Friday, July 10, 2009 5:45 PM
Comment Title: Just a possibility
Maybe somebody new came to town and noticed the crucifix, t-shirts, bibles, prayer, etc. and didn't like what they saw. Any time someone gets caught breaking the law you can bet it wasn't the first time they did so. They just finally got caught.
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Posted by:
Navasota Resident On:
Friday, July 10, 2009 5:25 PM
Comment Title:
The teachers in Navasota do have dress codes, and they do look professional. It is my understanding that the T-shirts in question were shirts that the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) organization were selling. This is a student led organization that meets before school hours, and yes, their sponsors are teachers/coaches. Yes, they wore the shirts on meeting days, just like all other clubs/organizations. This has gone on for as many years as the organization has been present. Ever wonder why now someone has decided to complain now?
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Posted by:
On:
Friday, July 10, 2009 5:22 PM
Comment Title: Flag Pole Prayer
About 10 years ago at C.S. High School, my daughter was in a group that started their mornings with prayer around the flag pole. Turned into a very large group made of many religions from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Bahai, to Hindu. They just took a few minutes each morning together and it was GOOD.
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Posted by:
Veronica On:
Friday, July 10, 2009 4:34 PM
Comment Title: I am much better, more well-rounded person because of the diversity of my teachers and peers and the open communication of religious matters.
Now that is what I was talking about!!!!!! Give the students credit for being able to see and know the differences and be okay with it. Couldn't agree more....point well stated.
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Posted by:
On:
Friday, July 10, 2009 4:14 PM
Comment Title:
Maybe it is time that we push Christianity, looks like some wish to attack us. I do not like teachers in any kind of t-shirt except on special days so that argument is mute to me. However, if they wish to wear jewelry no problem. Neither would the star of David offend me.
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Posted by:
On:
Friday, July 10, 2009 4:11 PM
Comment Title:
I think the kids are more knowledgeable than we adults on these issues and I especially think High School kids have a much better and open mind to make their own decisions on religion. However, handing out Bibles at school is over the line.
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Posted by:
On:
Friday, July 10, 2009 1:21 PM
Comment Title: Not the same thing
The issue is not one of religious indoctrination by teachers. The issue is the subliminal message that Christians are more welcome than others in the school. A crucifix does not belong on a public school teacher's wall, or on a public school teacher's t-shirt. And if you haven't seen the bibles that are being distributed by the Gideons to school children, they are pocket-sized and bright orange, which means they are designed to appeal to children. No other religious material is available when the bibles are distributed. Just piles of little orange books for the kids. If your child was the only Christian in a public school predominated by Muslims, and the religious icons and literature were not of your faith, you'd be plenty unhappy about tax-funding your child's education at this place. Religion in the context of education is great. We should all learn about the influences of other faiths on society. Religion being promoted by schools is not. There is a huge difference.
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Posted by:
On:
Friday, July 10, 2009 12:53 PM
Comment Title: what do the children want
If you set up a table with all different religious information, what do you think the children would pick up? They would automatically pick up what their parents had taught them. These laws have been put in place by adults to protect their children from learning about other religions or belief systems. What is sad is this is controling the information and keeping the next generation ignorant of the multiple beliefs of so varied a population leading to bigotry and hate. Thank you parents for perpetuating the lack of knowledge based on your own fears. Is it time we asked the children what they wanted since this directly influences them? Dont be so quick to judge the coin goes both ways. By knowledge and learning the fear of the unknown is overcome and productivity and compassion will win out. Hate and bigotry will fall by the wayside.
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Posted by:
On:
Friday, July 10, 2009 12:36 PM
Comment Title: Tolerance
When I was in school(which wasn't all that long ago - I graduated in 2004), we the students recognized the differences of opinions in our classmates as well as our teachers. There was a mutual respect. We did not care if our peers or teachers were born-agains, Catholics, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists or atheists (all of which were represented in our class and teachers). What mattered was that we could have an open dialogue about religion and we all learned from each other. Many of us did not agree with each other on many topics, even those on the same side of the religious fence. In our literature class, we were taught the Old Testament, New Testament, the Koran, teachings from the Buddha as well as texts from Hinduism. Again, these weren't taught as a religious text but the grand importance these texts have had on current literature. These texts are required to understand allusions and metaphors in literature. Our teachers taught us to think, not the TAKS test. We were definitely taught our first amendment right of freedom of religion from a very neutral standpoint, regardless of teacher affiliation. Oh, and I am an atheist and see nothing wrong with a teacher wearing a cross, yarmulke, hijab or pentagram as long as the teacher doesn't attempt to proselytize to students from their viewpoint. We knew what teachers were what religion - it was never very hard to figure out - so why bother with attempting to hide it? I am much better, more well-rounded person because of the diversity of my teachers and peers and the open communication of religious matters.
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Posted by:
On:
Thursday, July 09, 2009 7:35 PM
Comment Title: Dress Code
Teachers want to be treated with respect, they must start by proper professional appearance.
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Posted by:
On:
Thursday, July 09, 2009 7:06 PM
Comment Title: No ties required
Many schools have no dress code for teachers, or a really lax one. School spirit t-shirts are allowed almost everywhere, and other types of t-shirts are worn. In Bryan ISD teachers used to wear sweats and sneakers to school. It was awful, and I hope it's been changed. Teachers should look respectable - dress for success!
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Posted by:
On:
Thursday, July 09, 2009 4:55 PM
Comment Title:
What is a teacher doing wearing a t-shirt to school. Is there no dress code for teachers. She should dress professionally. As for the Bibles, probably should not pass them out unless some child ask for one. It actually is pretty good reading whether one is a believer or not.
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Posted by:
On:
Thursday, July 09, 2009 3:26 PM
Comment Title:
Many of you assume that children have parents caring and educated enough to read an online newspaper and post comments, and to take them to church and teach them to think for themselves. This isn't true for too many kids. Teachers need to be filling the gap in these kids lives by teaching caring, compassion, and empathy, not religion. Sorry. And a teacher can wear whatever they please outside of the classroom, but religious, political, and any other message t-shirt is inappropriate. You might like your t-shirt with a cross, and I might like one that says "God is dead." Is mine ok to wear to teach your children?
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Posted by:
On:
Thursday, July 09, 2009 2:29 PM
Comment Title: Get Over It
I don't see any complaints against teachers for "teaching religion". The complaints are about teachers participating in religious extracurricular clubs (which are voluntary and outside of the school day), displaying crosses and other religious items on their clothing and in their classrooms (freedom of speech), and about distribution of Gideon Bibles in Navasota schools (voluntary)." If teachers wearing religious t-shirts/jewelry and making bibles available (the #1 best selling book of all time) offends you, you're a bit hypersensitive don't ya think?
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Posted by:
Veronica On:
Thursday, July 09, 2009 2:25 PM
Comment Title: The whole world is different (A life's lesson)
I understand that there are different beliefs and religions and if the teachers were Muslim or Jewish my child would know that what they believe is what they believe but we believe what we are taught at home and church. I am sorry that I misunderstood that they were what apparently passing out bibles well that is a bit much even for me. But we need to teach our kids to be firm on what they believe and to be open minded enough to know that others will have their own opinions and beliefs but that it is their option as our is ours. My kid is in HS and not in the Elementary school where I could see more of a problem but I would like to think that at or near that age they are old enough to make their own decision and choose to particate or not. I have friends that are different religions and from different countries...I understand and so do they that we simply choose to agree to disagree on some things. We have asked the question to one of our friends from another country that if we traveled to their country would they be so PC to avoid conflict and the answer was....we think it is really different how very important being politically correct is for instance the "HOLIDAY Tree" and "Holiday Break". We just need to chill and not get so rilled up and enjoy each other and our differences. As for wearing a T-Shirt with a cross on it and her/him being a teacher that is something that I don't know about...but with some of the T-Shirts that I read whild walking the malls....I would appreciate a Cross to the other options. I proudly wear a crucifix but it is very delicate and tasteful...though some I see have way too much Bling and they don't mean the same when you have to "SHOW IT OFF" to impress others.
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Posted by:
Annoyed On:
Thursday, July 09, 2009 1:42 PM
Comment Title: The radicals on both sides of this argument scare me
Religious nuts: The First Amendment guarantees that that government shall not "establish" a religion, meaning that they can't pressure kids to read the bible or to even take it. They can't pressure kids to engage in a Christian prayer. These rulings by the Supreme Court have not caused the downfall of American society, bad parenting has. Anti-religion nuts: It's the freedom "of" religion, not the freedom "from" religion. As Justice O'Connor stated, the Constitution is neither pro nor anti religion, and the government may not discriminate among religions or against religions as a whole. The Constitution is clear, if a school (like Texas A&M or Navasota ISD) gives support by either funding or facilities to other organizations (such as the College Republicans/Democrats, boy/girl scouts, etc.) they have to give equal facilities/funding opportunities to the religious organizations that seek it. That being said, it doesn't hurt a kid to learn about different religions. I remember learning about Hanukkah and playing with a dreidel in my public elementary school. It didn't cause permanent harm and if implemented on a wider scale, would open people up to understanding the people of different beliefs and backgrounds. That's partially what school is there for, to teach kids socialization skills. Get over it, and stop griping about schools and municipalities putting up religious neutral symbols like Santa Claus and Christmas trees.
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Posted by:
On:
Thursday, July 09, 2009 11:55 AM
Comment Title: Think About It
Veronica, it is hard to avoid participation when you are a child, your teacher is wearing a t-shirt promoting religion, and the school is handing out bibles. You are free to teach your children to pray as you choose, and I am free to teach mine. Public schools should be teaching reading, writing, science, math, social studies, respect for others, and not teaching religion. Suppose your child's teacher was Muslim or Jewish, or Wiccan, and that was the religion being promoted in the classroom. Would you still be defending the teacher's right to teach your child to pray? You should be thanking God for the ACLU, which is defending YOUR religious freedom.
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Posted by:
Veronica On:
Thursday, July 09, 2009 11:16 AM
Comment Title: Consequences......
The school systems have changed for the worse since Madeline Murray O'Hare and her followers duped the Supreme Court into taking Prayer/religion out of schools. I am proud to say that the school that my son attends (and I will not mention their name) still takes a moment to pray prior to their events. We know that there are a lot of different religions and beliefs but so are there alot of different people also. Get over it and if you don't want to participate it's really simple....don't do it. But don't punish those of us that want to thank God for his many blessings that he has bestowed upon us.
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Posted by:
On:
Thursday, July 09, 2009 11:10 AM
Comment Title:
PHILIPPIANS 2:9-11 NKJ 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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Posted by:
On:
Thursday, July 09, 2009 10:40 AM
Comment Title: Batchelor
He ain't never been right; you know lights on but nobody home type thing. But do not ask him how smart he is because that is about a 3 hour lecture.
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Posted by:
On:
Thursday, July 09, 2009 10:38 AM
Comment Title: Separation of Church and State
This came not as a Christian attitude but rather by the Members of the Masonic Lodge who brought the idea that we should accept all who believe in God regardless of religious affliation and that the principles of the Bible should direct our lives. That is all it is about, the rest is what the rest of us have dreamed to support a silly arguement.
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Posted by:
Nitwits of NISD On:
Thursday, July 09, 2009 7:56 AM
Comment Title:
"Comment Title: __________REACTIVE IS NOT PROACTIVE__________ "Navasota school board members will take a "proactive" approach..." That's how the article starts off. However, there is absolutely nothing proactive about the approach the school board is taking. This board is only being "reactive" and still has not entered the 21st century."--unknown. The Sad fact is 98% of Nitwits from Navasota ISD areas will believe the are being Proactive.
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Posted by:
Poverty breeds Poverty. On:
Thursday, July 09, 2009 7:51 AM
Comment Title: Poverty and the good ole' boy of Bryan
Someone needs to help them understand why they need to stop dating familey members in Navasota area.
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Posted by:
Billy Bob Bryan On:
Thursday, July 09, 2009 7:44 AM
Comment Title:
This is what happens when you have sister Mary Jane, uncle Buckshot, and Bubba running the show. Navasota-ISD Nit-wits do not understand what Proactive and reactive is.
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Posted by:
On:
Thursday, July 09, 2009 5:52 AM
Comment Title: __________REACTIVE IS NOT PROACTIVE__________
"Navasota school board members will take a "proactive" approach..." That's how the article starts off. However, there is absolutely nothing proactive about the approach the school board is taking. This board is only being "reactive" and still has not entered the 21st century.
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Posted by:
BOO On:
Thursday, July 09, 2009 12:46 AM
Comment Title: public schools what a joke
Other than the kids going to school, what part of public school systems are regulated by the citizens. Our goverment has control over them. Independent schools systems should have the right to teach without the fear of being attacked by the ACLU for wearing jewelry. I.S.D.,s should be changed to GOVERMENT RUN INSTITUTIONS OF LOWER LEARNING.
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 11:30 PM
Comment Title:
This sounds like Hearne.
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 11:28 PM
Comment Title:
One more reason BISD needs a school board. Uncle Buck shot, Billy Bob, Bubba and Mary Jane have failed us again. Some need to stop dating family members in Grimes County. It time to get a job and get off of welfare.
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 11:06 PM
Comment Title: Holy Moses
Mr. Batchelor - choose a religion for all Americans to participate in in public schools. And please select a book. Shall we use the Old Testament, or New? And if all we do is study your selected bible all day, won't the North Koreans blow us up to heaven, or is your God going to protect us because we studied so hard? Pray, dude.
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 10:58 PM
Comment Title: Slipped down a slope
Nobody is advocating no religion, or atheism, as a U.S. policy. What is being suggested is that there not be religion in PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Religious zealots scare the hell outta me. It's your way or the highway. How very unAmerican you are. Leave me to worship as I choose, and don't force your beliefs on my children in my tax-funded schools!
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Posted by:
Bill Batchelor On:
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 10:54 PM
Comment Title: Not Confused
If our Founders only had two textbooks required in every public school, the Watts Hymnal and the Holy Bible, shouldn't that be good enough for us? If the first meeting of Congress, on September 6, 1777, started off with 3 HOURS of prayer followed by 2 hours of Bible study, should we do any less? If the Bible was in every school and the Lord's Prayer recited every morning for 320 years, and all of a sudden in 1963, the omniscient Supreme Court said no more, are we a better nation now that we are Bible free?
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 10:27 PM
Comment Title: One comment said we can't pick just a religion or two? So pick none?
"None" really means "one"...the religion of atheism. Government-enforced atheism is a fairly recent trend in the United States. It is not the so-called "based on our forefathers' wisdom" kind of thing some want us to believe.
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 9:58 PM
Comment Title: Confused
So, Mr. Batchelor, are you saying that religion should be part of public schools? And, if yes, how do you rectify that with the comment directly below yours? WHICH religions do you want in the public schools. You can't possibly accommodate all of them, so pick two. OK, three.
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Posted by:
Bill Batchelor On:
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 9:50 PM
Comment Title: More History
Please realize what the First Amendment is trying to protect: the Church. The order is for CONGRESS to restrain itself, not the Church. Remember that the Founding Father's recent history was that the King of England had made himself head of the Church...the Pope hadn't taken over the State!! Our Founders were terrified of an all-powerful federal government. The following is the actual Tripoli Treaty that our atheist friend HOPED was true, but isn't. America was founded on Judeo Christian principles that were common until the year I was born - 1961. The government of the United States is in no sense founded on the Christian religion. GEORGE WASHINGTON The 1797 Treaty of Tripoli is the source of Washington's supposed statement. Is this statement accurate? Did this prominent Founder truly repudiate religion? An answer will be found by an examination of its source. That treaty, one of several with Tripoli, was negotiated during the "Barbary Powers Conflict," which began shortly after the Revolutionary War and continued through the Presidencies of Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Madison. 6 The Muslim Barbary Powers (Tunis, Morocco, Algiers, and Tripoli) were warring against what they claimed to be the "Christian" nations (England, France, Spain, Denmark, and the United States). In 1801, Tripoli even declared war against the United States, 7 thus constituting America's first official war as an established independent nation. Throughout this long conflict, the four Barbary Powers regularly attacked undefended American merchant ships. Not only were their cargoes easy prey but the Barbary Powers were also capturing and enslaving "Christian" seamen 8 in retaliation for what had been done to them by the "Christians" of previous centuries (e.g., the Crusades and Ferdinand and Isabella's expulsion of Muslims from Granada 9). In an attempt to secure a release of captured seamen and a guarantee of unmolested shipping in the Mediterranean, President Washington dispatched envoys to negotiate treaties with the Barbary nations. 10 (Concurrently, he encouraged the construction of American naval warships 11 to defend the shipping and confront the Barbary "pirates" – a plan not seriously pursued until President John Adams created a separate Department of the Navy in 1798.) The American envoys negotiated numerous treaties of "Peace and Amity" 12 with the Muslim Barbary nations to ensure "protection" of American commercial ships sailing in the Mediterranean. 13 However, the terms of the treaty frequently were unfavorable to America, either requiring her to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars of "tribute" (i.e., official extortion) to each country to receive a "guarantee" of safety or to offer other "considerations" (e.g., providing a warship as a "gift" to Tripoli, 14 a "gift" frigate to Algiers, 15 paying $525,000 to ransom captured American seamen from Algiers, 16 etc. 17). The 1797 treaty with Tripoli was one of the many treaties in which each country officially recognized the religion of the other in an attempt to prevent further escalation of a "Holy War" between Christians and Muslims. 18 Consequently, Article XI of that treaty stated: As the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion as it has in itself no character of enmity [hatred] against the laws, religion or tranquility of Musselmen [Muslims] and as the said States [America] have never entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries. 19 This article may be read in two manners. It may, as its critics do, be concluded after the clause "Christian religion"; or it may be read in its entirety and concluded when the punctuation so indicates. But even if shortened and cut abruptly ("the government of the United States is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion"), this is not an untrue statement since it is referring to the federal government. Recall that while the Founders themselves openly described America as a Christian nation (demonstrated in chapter 2 of Original Intent), they did include a constitutional prohibition against a federal establishment; religion was a matter left solely to the individual States. Therefore, if the article is read as a declaration that the federal government of the United States was not in any sense founded on the Christian religion, such a statement is not a repudiation of the fact that America was considered a Christian nation. Reading the clause of the treaty in its entirety also fails to weaken this fact. Article XI simply distinguished America from those historical strains of European Christianity which held an inherent hatred of Muslims; it simply assured the Muslims that the United States was not a Christian nation like those of previous centuries (with whose practices the Muslims were very familiar) and thus would not undertake a religious holy war against them. This latter reading is, in fact, supported by the attitude prevalent among numerous American leaders. The Christianity practiced in America was described by John Jay as "wise and virtuous," 20 by John Quincy Adams as "civilized," 21 and by John Adams as "rational."
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 9:36 PM
Comment Title: To "Give It a Try"
Okie dokie! Let's put God into public schools. But please know that all children must learn Hebrew, because God only understands Hebrew. Oh shucks, that's a Jewish belief. I think Catholics want the kids to pray in Latin. Golly gee, aren't there a few other ways to reach God? And my-oh-my, could there be more than one God? Shoot, Native Americans had many Gods, and our school kids should learn the names of all of them. So the religious curriculum will be Hebrew, Latin, a few other languages, the names of many Gods, lots of prayers and verse from various bibles, and dog-gone-it, where's the time for reading, writing, and 'rithmetic? The solution: pick a State Religion, teach that religion in public schools, make everyone follow that religion, convert all Americans to that religion, transform churches and temples....Well, maybe religion doesn't belong in public schools after all. Just a thought!
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Posted by:
Yellow Kid On:
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 9:32 PM
Comment Title: T0 "Don't Tempt"
Learn how to use proper diction and spell corporal as in corporal punishmsnt not corpal. Your veiled threats are nothing more than "I'm better than you are bucause I am godly" Get an English book and get your nose out of the bible.
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 9:27 PM
Comment Title: To "Don't Temp God!"
Navasota ISD has both God and corporal punishment, and their schools are horrible. Neither of these is the way to nurture a child's creativity and create solid citizens. Teaching children respect for the law (and how to try to change laws they don't like, rather than ignore them) and for others with differing opinions and beliefs could go a long way toward bringing peace to this earth. Shoving religion down a child's throat and applying paddles to their backsides in order to make a point is for dinosaurs. Wake up - it's 2009!
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 9:24 PM
Comment Title: Give it a try
Call it what you will, study and debate it forever, but the reason our schools have gone to the dogs is because Madeline Murray O'Hare and her followers duped the Supreme Court into taking prayer/religion out of schools. When you evict God from a place Satan has room to move in. All great nations have fallen once they thought THEY were great in and of themselves. People do not possess nearly all knowledge and wisdom and never will. God punished the people for thinking this (Tower of Babel). Put prayer, God, and the holy word back in to school...then you will see an improvement. Pushing God further away will never help. Leave God at home, hide him and keep it to myself? How silly...because this is my Father's world.
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 9:11 PM
Comment Title:
Once again they nit-wits running Navasota ISD did it again.
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Wednesday, July 08, 2009 7:42 PM
Comment Title: Don't Tempt God!
This is in response to Skeptical...I really don't have time to respond to shun babblings as the scriptures states...but I do have time to defend God's voice. Apparrently, you must need antipsychotics as your guide(for me it's the Holy Spirit)...God has spoken to me on many different occassions. Maybe you have just had a hard heart and a closed ear because he has probaly spoken to you as well...but you ignored him. If he hasn't...Trust Me, the Holy Spirit will one day...when you decide to harden not your heart. The Good thing about God is that he does not force his way on no one. This is a totally serious subject...however I will stand by the fact that school systems have become horrible, since the day the Government took corpal punishment & prayer out of schools...You can mock God and his Kingdom all that you want,but I WARN you... Do not Tempt God!
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Wednesday, July 08, 2009 5:49 PM
Comment Title: Silly comments
No one is talking about burkas, or jewelry crosses. We are talking about teachers wearing t-shirts that promote Christianity. Would you allow a teacher to wear a t-shirt promoting Satanism? We are talking about the school allowing people to pass out New Testament Bibles. Would you allow a group to pass out the Koran, The Book of Mormon, the Torah, or any other religious text to your child at school? This is exactly why religion does not belong in public schools. Keep your religion to yourself, in your home, and in your house of worship, and out of my public school.
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Wednesday, July 08, 2009 3:48 PM
Comment Title:
I have worn a necklace with a cross since my college days. I also wear a cross ring. I think it would be unwise for anyone to try to remove them from me. Same for my gun and my other freedoms. The teacher should not be limited in their attire and all who oppose should have to go to school on Easter and Christmas.
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Wednesday, July 08, 2009 1:15 PM
Comment Title:
Jesus was recently seen walking across the Navasota River
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Wednesday, July 08, 2009 1:03 PM
Comment Title: Persecution
What would be the policy on a woman/girl wearing a burka in school? It is a practice of religion. Should muslilms be banned from wearing burkas? My guess is that they wouldn't dare persecute muslims as they do christians.
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Wednesday, July 08, 2009 1:00 PM
Comment Title: Skeptic
People who believe a god speaks to them should be perscribed antipsychotics
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Wednesday, July 08, 2009 12:46 PM
Comment Title: Law
When government funds are used to finance an educational institution (public school), there should be no religious affiliation. That's the law. You don't have to agree with the law, but you must follow the law. Or you can do as you please and deal with the consequences.
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Wednesday, July 08, 2009 12:09 PM
Comment Title: another history lesson from "the idiot"
If you read through the posts, you'll see that I was correcting the statement "Separation of church and state is one of the foundations of this country." Again, the phrase "separation of church and state" is found only in the Federalist Papers. Read a second time through the First Amendment: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion," i.e. Congress will not name a state religion nor will it make laws regarding the practice of religion. I am truly sorry that you suffered angst at the hands of Christians.
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Posted by:
MARK On:
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 12:00 PM
Comment Title: RE: Wow. Lots of ignorance here today
In response to: Wow. Lots of ignorance here today EVERYONE WAS BULLIED IN MIDD/HIGH SCHOOL. GET OVER IT.
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Robert On:
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 10:53 AM
Comment Title:
Some people realize that organized religion just isn't for them. I fall into this category. Does this mean that I'm going to go out and become a serial killer or something just because I haven't "found Jesus?" Absolutely not. Why is that? Well, for one thing, my parents, even though we didn't attend church regularly, taught me the difference between right and wrong. And THAT, readers, is where the true fault lies. It isn't the fault of the church, it isn't the fault of the government. It is the failure of the PARENTS to teach their kids. As far as religion in school, I wholeheartedly say NO. There are too many different religious beliefs out there for ANY of them to be practiced in school. The proper place for religion is at home or in church...or, more properly, in one's own heart. The Navasota school board is absolutely correct to clarify their rules about what is allowable in school.
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Wow. Lots of ignorance here today On:
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 10:48 AM
Comment Title:
For those of you thinking it's no big deal, you've obviously never been a part of the minority before. As a non-Christian, I found myself frequently ostracized and bullied through middle and high school (coincidentally, when I moved to Texas) because I wasn't Christian enough for my schoolmates. Because I didn't go to "the right church" I never was allowed into certain social circles. If you don't think kids, who find reasons as simple as someone's hair color that week or what shoes they wear, won't ostracize or judge kids because they "handed the bible back" then you're simply ignorant. Furthermore, to the incredible idiot who tried to give us a "history lesson" .. let me give you one. Look up the Treaty of Tripoli, in which the US Government acknowledges that the US "is in no way a Christian nation" .. and I believe it's right in the FIRST AMENDMENT to the Constitution that states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion" .. ie, separation of church and state. Finally, to the person who thinks "one nation under God" is so a part of our nation's history - the phrase only came into common use in the 1950s as a response to "the godless communists" .. so if you're saying that the country was better when that was in the loyalty oath, you're saying your parents and grandparents aren't good Americans. Simple as that.
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parent of grimes co On:
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 10:37 AM
Comment Title: what the big deal
what the big deal? one of the teachers had a cross of their shirts and handle out a bible, as long they dont teach on the bible what the big deal, at lot of school games the kids i repeat the kids pray before and games pary that nothing get hurt and have a good game im not a church goer and but my daughters do, i dont care you dont like the bible hand it back to teacher you dontnhave to take it or just ignore them,like they say you never can please everyone
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Wednesday, July 08, 2009 10:25 AM
Comment Title: history lesson
Go read the Constitution. There is no "separation of church and state" in it or any other federal document. The idea comes from the Federalist Papers and if you read those, you will see that the separation was meant to protect the church from the state, not the other way around.
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Tim On:
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 10:01 AM
Comment Title: Yes!
Separation of church and state is one of the foundations of this country. It is not right to indoctrinate our kids before they have a chance to think for themselves. Sunday school is on Sunday in a church, not in a school.
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Wednesday, July 08, 2009 9:14 AM
Comment Title: Unidentified complainant
Navasota School Board...what's the deal about hiding the complainant's identity? The ACLU is supposedly so big on the 'Freedom of Information Act," but now they have a school district running scared behind the scenes?
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Posted by:
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Wednesday, July 08, 2009 8:47 AM
Comment Title: What a SHAME
I remember the days where we said "one nation under God" every day in the pledge. Now they don't even say the pledge. Wonder why there are so many guns,knives,weapons,ect....brought to school? Well when you take God out and start letting the government run things then you're asking for trouble.A good 'ol fashioned wood shed whooping never hurt anyone, and remember "spare the rod,spoil the child......good day
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