Input needed!

[dobegrrrl]

I coach debate in VA and for the past several years the state tournament has been held at Liberty (Falwell U.). I am offended to have to go there and refuse to spend any money and always put my "best" bumper stickers on my car. This year I have a Muslim student and I am not at all happy about the this girl having to go there if she qualifies. The Liberty debate students judge most of the rounds and their coach runs the tournament. I want to throw up when I have to go into the room with the huge oil painting of Falwell.

Does anyone think there might be any legal grounds to block the state from paying a private Christian university from hosting a public school event?

:puke:

[Why Syzygy]

1. I would hope so.

But really have no idea. That sounds awful.

[dobegrrrl]

2. It's horrible!

[WePurrsevere]

3. Another tact you might want to consider addressing as well is the "biased"

nature of the event. If the students of the event where the event is held judge most rounds and their coach runs the tournament then it can't be truly unbiased and judged properly and fairly.

If this is a "State" event it would add legitimacy to an event of this type if it were held somewhere more neutral with neutral parties as judges and event co-ordinators.

You could also bring up that it would be less stressful for the participating students, who represent many spiritual paths, if it were to be held some place where one religion wasn't so blatently exhibited and promoted.

Although I do feel that the religious vs public school angle with a State sponsered event is very legit you might get faster results, depending on whom you are taking this issue to (and if they are Falwell fans), I would try the above tact first and then if nothing is done bring in the "Separation of Church and State" aspect and contact the ACLU.

Think of this as a type of debate.. know your issue... try to get to know a bit about the person you're debating with and go in to win... good luck. B-)

[dobegrrrl]

4. Good idea - thanks

[WePurrsevere]

5. You're welcome... good luck :-) n/t

[proud2BlibKansan]

6. Call the ACLU

They can surely answer your question.