What do you think of a teacher who will single out a child because of their parents religion?

Question

I'll try and make this short...
I have a friend who has a daughter in 5th grade (public school). Her teacher found out what church they attend, and decided to take it upon herself to tell the girl that her parents where wrong, and that they were all going to hell. This upset the girl, and of course went home and told her parents. They have met with the principle, and have threatened a lawsuit. Would you do the same?

Answer 1

my goodness No she was out of line...disgusting

Answer 2

I hope they go through with the lawsuit, especially if the principal does nothing to reprimand that teacher and make sure such behavior never happens again from her or anyone else as it's highly appropriate, especially in a public school.

That teacher had NO right whatsoever to tell the girl in front of the class(presumably) that her religion was "wrong" and that she was "going to Hell". If that teacher can't keep her private, personal beliefs separate from her work as a teacher, she should either teach in a religious school or not be teaching at all.

That teacher violated that girl's right to freely exercise her beliefs without harassment, fear, or intimidation. The teacher is an authority figure and an employee of the state since this is a public school. Government MUST stay out of religious affairs, including in school.

While the government can't tell the teacher to not have beliefs or read the Bible or pray privately, that teacher likewise can NOT tell a student to believe a certain way or they're going to Hell or going to be failed in that grade because of their beliefs because that is discrimination. It doesn't matter if the teacher feels that way inside, she can NOT impose those feelings and beliefs on others, which she unfortunately did.

Because the girl was greatly upset and her parents were also upset to hear that a public school teacher whose very job is to TEACH, not indoctrinate, contradicted the beliefs THEY were teaching their daughter at home, that teacher can get into a LOT of trouble. They CAN sue the teacher and they can also sue the district if nothing is done about this teacher.

I'm glad they've talked to the principal about this first, instead of immediately jumping to a lawsuit. That's what I would do first, speak to the principal and administration, tell them what happened and that it's not appropriate for a public school. If they refuse to do anything about it, then I'd go ahead and call a lawyer.

I admit I'm not a lawyer myself or a law student, but I have studied this subject as much as I can and I know that what that teacher did was wrong and she can get into a LOT of trouble for it. If your friend's school won't do anything about the teacher or if they even JUSTIFY this woman's actions saying that she was actually right and your daughter should change her beliefs or the harassment won't stop, THEN call the lawyer. A lawyer who knows more about First Amendment matters could help you more than me.

Answer 3

The Teacher is wrong and is miss using their position to preach their own agenda. That is why there is an established curriculum in public schools. It is hard to have your own personal beliefs but when you are in a position that you can influence young people you need to be very careful in how you interact with them and what you say.

Legal action needs to be taken and a grievance filed with the school district. Hopefully the parents met with the teacher first before they met with the Principal, I am a firm believer in taking the proper steps. Go to the source of the problem first then move up the chain. To go over the teachers head first is not correct course until the teacher has been confronted.

The most difficult thing in situations like this is keeping emotion out of your response. The teacher was wrong and take it from there....if a person goes in cursing and raging they loose credibility and actually may blow something up into something totally different than the first problem....deal with the problem legally, work to keep it what it is, then move on....do not make it bigger than it needs to be....there is already enough of that going on.

Answer 4

I am a Christian and while I believe the teacher is 100 percent wrong in this case to do what has been stated, I would not threaten or carry out a law suit.

The teacher should at the very least publically apologize to the child in front of the very ones she humilitated the child in front of. The apology should state that she was very wrong to say anything bad or good about the childs religion. She should also state that what she said was her opinion and she was wrong to state her opinion.

If the teacher has a history of outbursts such as this one, she should think about voluntarily retiring before she is asked to resign.

A lawsuit is such a worldly thing totally void of religious morals and totally subject to the worship of money, I would avoid it if at all possible. In this case the harm done was not monitary and should not be settled as if money could fix it.

Answer 5

I wouldn't sue but they would make it right at the school. I have had similar situations back in the days when my daughter was in school. The people at the school would have a sinking feeling when they saw me coming. Bad thing. My daughter dropped out at 16. But now she is in college.

People---what a piece of work!

The reason I wouldn't sue would be because I don't want years of both my child's and my lives taken up like that. In a way the teacher wins that way. But yes, she needs to find another profession. I would speculate to say she is young.

Answer 6

WOW...

If that happened to one of my children. I think I'd be very upset.
It's already hard enough trying to teach your children to do the right thing in this crazy society. However that is where a lot of parent's are mislead about schools. As a parent we send our children to school in the confidence the teacher's are teaching the right things. So we don't worry while there at school for long period's of time.
I love being a pain in the hiney...and stopping in. I've had to put a few teacher's in the right spot.
They did the right thing...........take it to the principle, and see where it goes from there.

Answer 7

I think religion is a personal choice and the teacher should not have
crossed that boundary. I would have along talk with the teacher and gove them a warning then if that failed then Iwould look into legal action. I would meet with the teacher and principle first and let them know our stand point first. It was very wrong of the teacher to do that. My best wishes to your friend and good luck
Morgaine

Answer 8

ABSOFREAKINLUTELY!!!!!!!!!

I may not believe in a hell, but telling a 5th grader that they are going to hell is HORRIBLE! They don't understand anything but that hell is a bad thing (to most people).

I would contact every organization possible, the media, whatever it takes to get that teacher thrown out on her a**.

There is no place for religion in public schools. It's not supposed to be there, and it shouldn't start THIS way either.

I'm appalled that the principle didn't take IMMEDIATE action!

Answer 9

I'm not surprised. I know that where my granddaughter goes she is mistreated constantly because of her beliefs. Unfortunately her mom wont do anything about it and insists that I stay out of it!
My experience is that the majority of teachers push lots of there own ideas on the children. especially their religions.
We raised sis kids and now have twelve grandchildren and they ve most of them had to go through similar experiences.
I doubt if you would get anywhere by trying to sue though.
Just try to stay involved and always let those teachers Know your keeping tabs and that can slow them down.

Answer 10

Most assuredly. In a public (read government funded) setting, that's not allowed. Teaching about various faiths in a certain context is perfectly fine (and can be a lot of fun as well!) but it's obvious that isn't what she's doing.

I hope all goes well for them. That has to be upsetting to the poor dear.

Answer 11

Yes. I think I eventually would. Teachers are there as an example to kids. That teacher is not just teaching math and literature - she's showing intolerance which is unacceptable in my book. It's the same as racism to single someone out because of religion. I would not allow that person to teach my children, and even if my child wasn't the one singled out, I would definitely sign a petition to fire that teacher and move my child to another class or school.