SUSPENDED for reading a Bible in school?

Question

Hello everyone, my name is Phil.

So, here I am sitting at a school computer in my library. I am quite angry, so please forgive me if I explode at you.

I have just (around a 1/2 hour ago) been suspened because I had, in my posession, an NIV-translation Bible. I personally have never had an experience like this up until now, but I have seen others who have.

It was in grade seven; one of my friends was "saying grace" right before lunch. BANG, a teacher comes over and drags her to the office!

So here I am in grade ten, almost exactly three years later, and I've been banned from the school for three days because I decided that I wanted to read my Bible once I had finished my work.

I wasn't preaching at people.

I wasn't doing anything wrong... Well, apparently I was because I was suspended.

Anyone else had an experience like this?

I always thought the I lived in a "free" commonwealth country.....

Are they even allowed to DO this to me?

I actually live in Canada...

Trouble is, there's an Islamic person in my class (not sure if hes actually a Muslim; I'm just using the term "Islamic" to describe him), and he might have been offended by it and whined to the teacher.

I seriously don't think they're allowed to do this. There's a copy of the Canadian constitution in the city library, I'm cycling down there after "school" is over (suspended or not, I still take the bus home)

Looks like I get summer break three days early?

People,

NIV stands for New International Version...

As opposed to the KJV, King James version.

NIV is simplified, modernized English, KJV is like, old English from the 1700's or something.

Answer 1

Apparently voortex thinks (because your name is obviously "Ye Olde Canadian) and that you made references to the commonwealth that you must therefore be an American and are subject to an American constitution.

I am not too knowledgeable on Canadian law, but my understanding of our neighbors to the north is that they have more or less the same freedom of religion as we have here in the states; and it isn't a crime to have a Bible or any other religious text in your possession. The fact that you could get thrown out of class for reading it or having it your possession is appalling, and as far as I know, should be illegal. You weren't openly proselytizing and weren't stepping all over everyone waving the Bible in people's faces, so I fail to see a legitimate threat there. Take it up with the district and file a discrimination complaint.

Answer 2

I don't quite understand. First what is a NIV translation bible. Were you in class? What were you supposed to be doing while you were there? Has your performance in the subject you were supposed to be studying been up to the required standard. Is this the first time you have read this bible in class.
I assume this is in the states and I am not sure what 10 grade is but I assume you are teenager. As a general comment it worries me that you would think if a good idea to take a bible to class. I am not saying, like another person, that it will rot your brain but it certainly wont do you a lot of good

Answer 3

Don't know the laws where you live but it doesn't sound right. What if you were reading pages off the bible that you printed off the net. The probably wouldn't have even noticed.

I think it is wrong.

I think it is odd that a lot of ppl I have seen take a stance on this and want the bible to be allowed in school have not been open to other religions. That just isn't fair. I want muslims to be able to pray in school (away from other ppl is fine! -it doesn't have to be by others--it is not for show) so this means you should be allowed to read the bible by yourself when you have nothing else to do during the class.

Answer 4

I know private schools are allowed to keep you from reading anything they very well want to. I've had detention for reading, and this is just a taste: Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare, On Writing by Stephen King, The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (because they heard he was once involved in the occult), A Christmas Carol by Dickens, and of course, Harry Potter by JK Rowling. Because I am a minor, I can do nothing, but think of it. This is a private, Christian school.

Answer 5

I have come to the conclusion that 'schools' don't like teaching and like kids even less!!
My daughters school have a hissy fit if a boy shaves his head!.... how exactly does this stop him learning????
Now you are suspended for doing something that not so long ago would have been compulsory!!!
Take me to your head and i'll have a word...........!!!
Ok so the school computer is not portable..... um, well get your church leader to have a word with the school... if you had finished your work, what was the problem??? Even if there are pupils from other religions in the room, what is there problem?? (unless you were reading out load??)

Anyway, sorry to rant but it seem that shools are trying to outlaw individuality and it drives me mad!!!!

P.s... I don't even believe in the bible, but I believe you have the right to if you wish! :)

Answer 6

I am a pagan, and I agree with you that it is totally unfair that one should not be allowed to pray, or read their holy texts in school. Is school not for study, and should'nt it allow you to study your personal belifes, you were not disrupting any other students, nor were you pushing your faith down anyones throats. Shame on the school system for being so downright harsh! A few years ago, I had all sorts of teachers and counsilers try and "reach out" to me because of my faith. A bus driver tried every day to get me to read the bible. This is not cool. However if all you were doing was quietly reading when you were not doing work, and you were not disrupting anyone....not fair, nor is it okay.
I think everyone should have freedome of religion.
-K

Answer 7

Sadly, they are allowed to do this to you. Despite what people would like to believe, while you are in school, many of your rights are either suspended altogether or severely limited. I can sort of understand why the kid saying grace was removed, but I would not have taken him out of the cafeteria unless he was leading a prayer, which is a no-no. If he was just saying thanks over his own food, then the school officials are being ridiculous. Your Bible reading is probably unacceptable regardless of what book it is. I can remember people getting yanked out of class for reading books they brought from home after they had finished their schoolwork. It's silly, but those are the rules: schoolbooks only.

Answer 8

I think you've just expierenced the retarded view of tolerance. People want to be so "open minded" these days, but are they? Funny how we all talk about being treated fair, but then stuff like this happens. What about your rights? I'm sure if they had someone bring in an orange and danced and worshipped around it they would say that it's ok to support diversity, but then won't let you even read a book. But then again, it goes to show how true the Bible actually is. No one's afraid of anything else except for Jesus and His Word. So why is that? maybe because it's true?

Answer 9

They are violating your Freedom of Religion, I used to say prayer in school (the whole school did) every morning.
I have never experienced such a thing, I would take my bible every day and I would say prayer and I wouldn't care if the repeatedly suspended me I wouldn't stop ever. If I were your parent I would sue the school for violating your rights and I would encourage you to continue reading the bible and praying in school. I have seen how violent and moral-less the schools have become they were not that way when I was young and we had daily prayer in school and I believe schools have become this way because of taking God and prayer out of the schools. My prayers are with you, stay strong and keep the faith.

Answer 10

Actually, no. They cannot. According to the First Amendment:

Separation of State Authority IV: No state action should have the primary effect of engaging in religious practice. Any such appearance of a state religious practice must be unintentional and coincidental.

Separation of State Authority V: No state action should have the primary effect of restricting religious practice. Any such appearance of interference in religious practice must be unintentional and coincidental.

Meaning that you may read a Bible or the Koran or any religious writings as long as you do not press religion.