I go to a project based school in Wisconsin. There is a girl here who is starting a bible reading group where we read a chunk of the bible then discus it than repeat. I am an atheist and have no interest in joining this group i am just wondering if it is legal to have this group in our public school??????
2007-09-17 13:45:07 · 26 answers · asked by troythe9ine06 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It depends on whether the group meets during schools hours or afterwards. If the school opens itself to other groups after school, then it can have a Bible reading group. However, it can't then discriminate against other groups, such as an atheist group.
2007-09-17 13:51:14 · answer #1 · answered by nondescript 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Clubs based on all sorts of interests are legal. If this is not being done during class time and it is not obligatory, it is legal.
In the school I went to there was a Science Fiction and Fantasy club that was really nothing more than the schools Dungeons and Dragons players. Was it legal even though the game was against the religious beliefs of some of the people at that school? Yes, it was. This bible reading group would fall into the same category.
And no, I'm NOT a Christian, I'm a Hellenic Polytheist so this IS a subject that I've given thought to as I want Pagan/Wiccan young people to have the SAME rights to assemble as this group has.....
2007-09-17 20:53:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anne Hatzakis 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Each state has it's own laws regarding this, but if the person who started this is doing it before or after school, and other programs of similar activities are allowed (like another poster indicated a Qu'ran reading group) and attendance is voluntary, it shouldn't be illegal. As an atheist, if the Bible reading group is offensive to you, why not start a group of your own with writings from famous atheists, like Madeline Murray O'Hare or Auduois Huxley?
2007-09-17 20:53:34 · answer #3 · answered by momatad 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's treated like any other special interest group. As long as participation is purely voluntary and STUDENT led, then it is legal.
Our local school started the same club. In a school of over 600 students, they had 75 students join within 2 weeks. They met for 30 minutes prior to the start of school in a classroom, 3 times per week. As long as they allow other groups with high interest level to start, it seems as if they should be allowed to start and maintain a group.
If you don't like Bible clubs, why not start an atheism club. As long as the membership is voluntary and student led, and others are interested in joining, you should be welcome to do so.
2007-09-17 20:59:38 · answer #4 · answered by * 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is called the First Amendment - look it up.
Any student lead group that has voluntary membership has the same access to the school facility after normal instructional hours as any other group. The school cannot discriminate against religious groups if they don't ban the chess club, for example.
2007-09-17 20:52:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'm a teacher, but I don't know much about project based schools. I assume this is high school age and it is critical thinking that is a goal?
I would say do it and have fun...critical thinking and the bible can make for some great debates.
2007-09-17 20:50:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Let's see, Bible group meeting or gangs huddled together? What difference does it make? If you don't want to join, don't. But why do so many people try to make waves over everything? They are not hurting you, so why not leave them be? Are you just afraid to tell them you are an atheist? So you're trying to find a way out by hurting them?
2007-09-17 20:55:58 · answer #7 · answered by dawnUSA 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
As long as it is student led it is perfectly legal. It is protected because you can not limit religion by law but no person employed by the state can lead it because that would be government endorsement. So as long as it is student lead you can almost get any kind of group authorized for public schools.
2007-09-17 20:52:17 · answer #8 · answered by mrglass08 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if other non-curriculum clubs are allowed to meet, student initiatated, student led bible clubs can meet also.
As can other religious groups, or even an atheist group, if they so desire.
Check out the link below under "Equal Access Act"
2007-09-17 20:51:10 · answer #9 · answered by queenthesbian 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is illegal for them to force you to join. It is legal for students to read the Bible, as long as reading is allowed. It is legal for students to organize a bible study group, as long as other groups dedicated to extra-curricular studies are allowed. Remember, the constitution guarantees the right to the free expression of religion, as well as the freedom of association. It is also legal for the school to study the Bible as literature.
2007-09-17 20:50:04 · answer #10 · answered by NONAME 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋