I have a problem. My school doesn't follow the law...?

Question

The don't follow the law about the seperation of chuch and
school. But its not entirly the school. Its mostly the teachers.
What can I do to stop it? Its really bothering me because I feel like I have their relgion shoved down my thoat.

Answer 1

A lot depends on the type which you attend. A parochial school isn't under the law and they are allowed to share religious information.

If it is a public school, I personally believe that you need to talk to the teacher. A part of growing up is learning to deal with our own problems. If you let the teacher know that it bothers you, they should respect that and stop.

If that doesn't work then you need to speak to the administration - the principal or the superintendent. If they are unwilling to take action, then your parents will need to get involved.

But before you go to your parents and ask them to deal with it, try working it out yourself. You'll feel better knowing that you have stoo up for yourself and your values.

Pastor John

Answer 2

It's hard to answer if I don't know what specifically is going on, but here is the law as it's written:

"As a condition of receiving funds under the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act, an LEA must certify in writing to its SEA that it has no policy that prevents, or otherwise denies participation in, constitutionally protected prayer in public schools
as set forth in this guidance.
The guidance clarifies the rights of students to pray in public schools. As stated in the guidance, ``* * * the First Amendment forbids religious activity that is sponsored by the government but protects religious activity that is initiated by private individuals'' such as students. Therefore, ``[a]mong other things, students may read their Bibles or other scriptures, say grace before meals, and pray or study religious materials with fellow students during recess, the lunch hour, or other non instructional time to the same extent that they may engage in nonreligious activities.'' Public schools should not be hostile to the religious rights of their students and their families.
At the same time, school officials may not ``compel students to participate in prayer or other religious activities.'' Nor may teachers, school administrators, and other school employees, when acting in their official capacities as representatives of the State, encourage or discourage prayer or actively participate in those activities with students."

Answer 3

Assuming this is actually a sincere post...

What, exactly, are they doing? If it's a private school, then they can pretty much teach what they want, since it's not publically-funded. But if you're in a public school, and a teacher is actively discriminating against you because of your religion (and no, baiting them to get into a debate in the first place wouldn't count), then you should see the principal. If he or she is no help, then see the ACLU or a lawyer.

Answer 4

You need to talk to your parents, the principal, and the counselor. This is a huge lawsuit if they do not take immediate action to reprimand the teachers for sharing their religion with you. In my opinion, you should never even know what religion your teachers subscribe to...although it is legal to wear jewelry that can be demonstrative of your beliefs (and I think that is fine).
I'm a teacher and when kids ask me a question regarding religion I simply say I do not discuss politics or religion with my students or their parents. Kids accept that pretty readily as you are being honest.

Answer 5

Go to a different school...

*Edit*
I'm sorry, I'm just mad that this question just doesn't sound real. I could be wrong. And if I am it's not a very good witness of me to say go to a diff school... Look, you come to R&S because you want to know how NOT to have to deal with religion? It doesn't make sense to me... If this is true then you need to be a little more specific about what's being 'shoved down your throat'.

Answer 6

Specifics would help.

If there is concern, the first step would be to tell your parents. From there, they may decided to speak to the administration or school board to see if the problem can be resolved without law suit threats being flung about.

Answer 7

It kind of depends on what they are doing as to how serious it is. You could talk to administrators and if that fails the ACLU but make sure its pretty serious before you go that route.

Answer 8

Law about seperation of church and school? Tell me where in the constitution it mentions a law about the seperation of church and school.

Answer 9

The law is separation of church and state, not church and school. Private schools don't have to adhere to this law. If you go to a public school, they do. Talk to your parents.

Answer 10

You should go straight to the head of your school to discuss this. no teacher should be trying to persuade you to accept any religion. report the teacher(s)