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Teacher's comments lead to complaint : North County Times - Californian (http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/12/01/news/californian/5_04_3911_30_07.txt - broken link)
Attorney Bob Tyler said 17-year-old junior Brittney Cowles became very upset Thursday after her creative writing teacher allegedly called local Christian parents "crazy" and "prejudiced" for keeping their children home from school to protest a new state law that some parents contend promotes a homosexual agenda in public schools.
The teacher's alleged rant went on for about a half-hour, prompting Brittney to tears and causing her to leave the classroom, Tyler said.
Tyler faxed a demand letter to the Temecula Valley Unified School District on Friday morning asking for immediate sanctions against the teacher, stating Brittney felt intimated by the educator and distressed by what she said.
He also said the teacher's comments were extremely hostile toward Christians and their faith, and that they violated the federal establishment clause, which calls on public agencies to be secular and not advance or disapprove of any religion.
In an interview Friday, Brittney said the incident has been very upsetting.
"Yesterday was a breaking point for me," she said.
Brittney, who has fibromyalgia, said she has drawn on her Christian faith for strength as she has tried to cope with the disease, and hearing her beliefs bashed was more than she could bear.
According to Brittney, her teacher called evangelical parents "crazy," "narrow-minded," "prejudiced," "promoters of hate" and "out of control."
Brittney claims that her teacher went on to say that if any of her students were involved in the protest, she would "get revenge in some way or another."
Brittney also contends her teacher said young Christians are being "brain-washed by overbearing parents who shove their beliefs down everyone's throats."
Apparently, the teacher's comments sparked a discussion among the other students in class, a mix of about 35 from all grade levels, many of whom voiced their support by reiterating their educator's points, Brittney said.
Brittney said she felt persecuted for her morals and beliefs, and that something inside her told her she had to do something. She said she finally raised her hand and asked to go outside, and the request was granted.
As she walked out, Brittney said her teacher asked her if she was offended, and she replied that she was. Asked how, Brittney said she didn't appreciate her religion being ridiculed, and burst into tears on her way out the door.
Someone here said the problem is students shouldn't pray at school. the problem is public school teachers and principals who seem to have a thing against christianity. The courts ruled students are allowed to pray at school and read their religious books (bible, torah, koran) at school as long as it's not during class instructional time. The above examples show that these school teachers and principals don't think the courts are right and have no problem infringing on the student's "freedom of religion".
5 "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
5 "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Matthew 6:5-6
Shhh...
Don't let any priest or pastor see this! These wacky ideas are awful for the collection plate.
No one should be praying in public schools.
You have 16 hours a day to pray in your private life, keep it out of the schools.
The bible says something about praying in a closet, because it's a private matter.
If a person prays then they should have the right to pray if they like, even if they attend school. The person should have the right to pray, even if they have to go to a private room.
5 "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Matthew 6:5-6
Oh I get it, NOW what the Bible says means something!
Lets be sure that we tell Muslims not to pray in public due to these Bible verses....
If a person prays then they should have the right to pray if they like, even if they attend school. The person should have the right to pray, even if they have to go to a private room.
Not out loud and not with special time or rooms or consideration.
Didn't you just read the Matthew 6 verses above?
What makes your religious practice so special?
Maybe you should send your kids to parochial school, if you want prayer in the schools. Of course, it would be with your own money.
Put your money where your mouth is.
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