What happened to separation of church and State?

Question

My child's principal sent a letter home which states- "don't let kids see 'The Golden Compass'." The letter says that the writer, Pullman, is an Atheist, and the movie is "Atheism for kids".

Also, the letter says things about the movie and the author "hating Jesus", and is "darkness which appears to be innocent". It claims because Pullman is an Atheist, he's "killing God in the minds of children".

As an Atheist I'm offended that the school would assume to tell me what to watch. I'm also ticked that they are insinuating Atheists are bad people.

This seems too political for school, and God (or lack there of), isn't allowed in pulic school.

Can I sue for this?

Oh, and when the teacher read the letter to my kid's class, my daughter (10) said that's not true. the teacher said :do you want to come read this".

Thanks for all your help. I appreciate it. Vote for yourselves if you wish, I can't pick with all these good answers.

Answer 1

If the principal used official school insignia and letterheads for distributing his personal rant, then that would be considered as him speaking on behalf of the school. This is a blatant violation of the Establishment Clause and is certainly grounds for serious disciplinary action to be used against the principal and the school for allowing it. It would be a good idea to bring this to the attention of your local ACLU chapter and the school board.

Answer 2

There never was an offical seperation of Church and State in Canada It would be impossible Queen Head of State Queen also head of the church of England and Scotland

But this nation is as secular as it gets so no one cares

But when I was a teen - the township decided to remove books from the library - Carlos Casteneda was gone all because of the drug lore and the new age religious idea's therein

I only read those books because I wasn't supposed to Being the way I am I worked quotes of his work into everything for 2 yrs running

So send your kid to see that movie right away write to the principle tell him/her what and why you made her go and then ask

Any other books or movies that she shouldn't see ? Please tell me what they are we will be there to read or see that with bells on the instant possible

That will send the message you want and stop the letters completely and there will be no response to it -

If there is bury him/her in legal mire so deep that it will take a decade to shovel out of

Answer 3

Suing is a little over dramatic. Our country is way too sue happy nowadays and it's really screwing things up for the rest of us (I KNOW my coffee is HOT!). Were you really and truly hurt by that? There are ways to get your point across without suing. This letter (which is indeed wrong, because it is about censorship) should be brought to the attention of the superintendent. You should definitely follow through with making sure the principal is reprimanded appropriately.
I would like to add however, that nowhere in the constitution does it say "seperation of church and state". What it does say (and I'm paraphrasing) is that we have freedom of religion (including choosing none) and the government has no right to choose one religion for the country nor to persecute people because of their religion. This country was founded by spiritual (and in some cases religious) men who wanted to ensure freedoms for all.
Also, that movie actually looks good, lol.

Answer 4

Contact your state chapter of the ACLU. Don't let go of that letter.

This is a clear violation of the establishment clause. The principal is being paid with tax dollars to educate your child, not establish religious thought.

I'm appalled at the posters who don't see the obvious violation of a well established ruling here.

If you accept the notion of accommodation as many advocate, it will be worse for your school and our country.

Todd P, read Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptists, and see the Supreme Court ruling of Abington vs. Schempp, 1963. There is indeed separation of church and state.

Also, Kitzmiller vs. Dover Schools, 2005.

There is separation.

Answer 5

I might start with the school board. Sueing should be a last resort. I question whether the school board knows what the principle did, and it should be brought to their attention. Freedom of religion includes freedom NOT to practice a religion and while I agree with your outrage, I also believe we are the minority not the majority. So start by expressing your feelings to the school board or board of education and go from there.

Answer 6

I am a Christian and I will go see the movie, "The Golden Compass". I want to see it because I want to know what people are getting all upset about.

HOWEVER, you telling a teacher that she can send you a note, but decide what the note may be about borders on fascism.

Being an Atheist is your right. But telling a teacher who you disagree with that she cannot send you a letter out of care of the children, your child, is a blind and fascist thing to do. Especially if you mean to call the authorities on her.

If you do that you are no better than an informant for the Spanish Inquisition.

If you are greedy, and a really bad person, you will entertain opinions to sue her.

Answer 7

Separation of Church and State is alive and well.

It will begin being displayed [or not] in about a week when the Christmas decorations are up and lit in public places - without the supplementary menorah for Hanukkah and/or something pertaining to Islam and/or Kwanzaa.

Thanks for asking! I THINK I answered your Q.

VTY,
Ron

Answer 8

I don't think you can sue for the principle expressing his personal opinion. If teachers taught kids in class that the movie was evil, -that- would be a problem.

What you can do is to write a letter back to the principle telling him that as a responsible parent you are well able to choose what movies your child sees. If he gets enough of these letters, he might keep his criticism to himself next time.

Answer 9

Why did your principal do that? he can probably be fired because of that, unless you go to a Private school, those guys do what they want.
I think it's time for a children's movie that is something other than Christian. Why do they boycott atheism so much and not the pagan influences of most fairy tails? is it because they are hypocrites? i think so.

Answer 10

He overstepped his boundaries just a little bit, didn't he? Wow.

It's crazy.

I'm in the Big Brother program where I live, and my "little brother" is a hardcore Catholic. I'm agnostic. I don't push any of my views on him at all, that is not my place. I don't understand what part of that is so difficult to understand.

It's one thing if you are in an open dialog forum such as this to challenge each other. But to just do it in everyday life to someone who didn't ASK what you thought is just idiotic.