Need info on Sep. of Church and State

[MelissaB]

To make a long story short, my principal (I'm a teacher) has been playing christian music over the loudspeaker during morning announcements at a public school. We had a "run in" this morning, and he said he would stop doing this if I showed him where he was breaking any law. He says he is playing all genres of music and christian is included. What isn't included is any other religion. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

(FYI to let you know how bad a problem this has been: School has been in for three weeks and we haven't had a prayer over the intercom yet. Last year he had students and ministers come in and lead prayer and sometimes give "talks" over the intercom. He was supposed to stop this from coming into my classroom, and did for a while, but then it picked back up.)

I hope this makes sense. I'm still upset...

[Drum]

1. check this site:

Americans United for the Separation of Church and State
www.au.org
Very good people, and their leader the Rev. Barry Lynde (yes, believe it!) is often called in for debates countering the religious nut-jobs on the news programs. A very rational guy, with sense on his/our side.
I think their site can direct you to appropriate information.

[BrotherBuzz]

4. Americans United for the Separation of Church and State

Our beloved and sorely missed Kephra was a strong supporter of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. He will smile on you if you check them out.

www.au.org

on edit: Drum, I piggybacked on your post when I was directing my post to the OP. Sorry. :)

[MelissaB]

6. I'm bookmarking this site.

Thanks!

[ironman202]

2. aclu.org

[Walt Starr]

3. Lemon v. Kurtzman and the Lemon Test

For the actions of any governmental agency to pass the Lemon test, it must first demonstrate it has a secular purpose. Since he's not playing exclusively religious music, he might pass this one but it's doubtful as he's only playing Christian music.

Second, the purpose must neither advance nor inhibit religion. You've got him on point two of the Lemon test as clearly playing christian music exclusively will have the effect of promoting the Christian religion above all other religions.

Finally, the actions must not foster "an excessive government entanglement with religion." Clearly he does not pass this one as the only form of religious music he is playing is Christian as well.

He clearly fails on two of the three points of the Lemon test and probably also fails on the third.

The Lemon Test as been upheld in all SCOTUS decisions since it was handed down in 1971 and is the law of the land.

Don't let him get by countering you with Rosenberger v. University of VA. Completely different case as there was no captive audience being forced to read the publication in that case. In a public school, the students are a captive audience. He is violating the law.

[MelissaB]

5. Thank you, Walt. Something like this is what I'm looking for.

I'd rather not put my family through an ugly political battle in the heart Alabama where I'm sure I'm in the minority, but this guy is nuts. The first time we discussed this issue he told me the kids at school who wear all black were devil worshipers and going to hell and that we brought 9-11 on ourselves because of sin (homosexuality, etc.)

[Walt Starr]

7. Not a problem. ciotations are available online

Here it is from Findlaw:

http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=US&vol=403&invol=602

[MelissaB]

9. Thank you again!

:hug:

[lildreamer316]

8. Do you know any "adults" that disagree with him?

(no offense; I see you as adult but for all intents and purposes in this situation you are not)
I think these views should be enough to have him removed from this postition. In other areas if there were adults who knew about these views he expressed PUBLICLY (to you) they would have his hide!!! I would keep this info and seek out some parents that may agree with you. At some point you may want to encourage them to action..........

[MelissaB]

10. I'm afraid I don't, and that's a major problem.

Most other teachers are fine with having religion in school. I tried to talk to him several years ago, but he is not reasonable. At one time he told me he is willing to go to jail for his beliefs and that he had already talked to his family and minister about this. I talked to the head of the local aclu. He said it's tough to fight and gets really ugly in a community like ours. He is a friend of my husband's and advised against it. After this I decided not to push too hard because it would only make him (the principal) look good to our conservative community. BTW, he is very much disliked by students, teachers, and faculty.