Schools agree on Bible reading by students

[The Straight Story]

Schools agree on Bible reading by students

Knoxville (AP) - A Knoxville lawsuit over a boy reading his Bible at recess isn't resolved yet, but the Knox County Schools now have a policy on it.

At a hearing Tuesday, Federal District Court Judge Thomas Phillips scolded attorneys for the schools and the family of fifth-grader Luke Whitson. Phillips told them something that began as a misunderstanding has escalated into a federal lawsuit that could be costly to taxpayers.

Samuel and Tina Whitson claim Karns Elementary School Principal Cathy Summa told Luke he couldn't hold a Bible study during recess. Summa denies that happened.

Phillips ordered the sides to hold a closed meeting that resulted in the agreement that Knox County Schools have not and will not have a policy or practice of banning students from reading religious texts at recess.

http://www.volunteertv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4635486

[Peanutcat]

1. YAY!

"Phillips ordered the sides to hold a closed meeting that resulted in the agreement that Knox County Schools have not and will not have a policy or practice of banning students from reading religious texts at recess."


While I don't want religion being taught in schools, I think everyone has a right to read religious texts during recess or free time. They don't have the right to preach their religion, tho'.

[harpo]

3. ditto

[jsamuel]

4. yep

funny thing is that the P said that it never happened...

[Strong Atheist]

8. I agree with you, unfortunately. Welcome to D.U.!

:toast:

[ropi]

2. bible at recess?

i thought recess was a time for play, not for proselyetizing! what is up with these parents sending their kids to school with the b-i-b-l-e to play with at recess? if they want that sort of 'recess' send little luke to a nice xian school!

[bryant69]

5. Yeah!

Screw freedom, when it benefits Christians. Obviously the best thing for little Luke is toe either become a good atheist or to totally withdraw from anybody who might disagree with him.

Bryant.

[SmokingJacket]

6. Fake controversy

Now fundamentalist Christians can point to this as a "victory," when it was never an issue at all: I doubt the principal forbade anyone from reading whatever the heck they wanted to.

[Warpy]

7. There's a huge difference between reading a bible on your own time

and leading a bible study group during formal school hours. The former should be perfectly OK with everyone. The latter should not.

Save that bible study class for after school if you feel you really must have one. You can meet in any room down the hall from the gay students' association.

[The Straight Story]

10. Oh, I dunno, I used to do this and other things at break time

We studied chess games sometimes, drew pictures other times, and sometimes a few of us like minded kids did read the bible and discuss things (though mostly when I was in 6th grade).

Like minded kids doing something together? No problem with that from me.

[Virginia Dare]

9. So a Wiccan handbook would be okay?

doubt it.