Religion in schools
Posted by LynneC - 06/06/08, 10:42 am
TN Court Says School Supported Religious Parent GroupYou may recall a while back when a Tennessee school district got sued because some parents were concerned about religious activities taking place at Lakeview Elementary, a public school. The parents filed suit when a group called Praying Parents was allowed to sponsor events such as National Day of Prayer and See You at the Pole. The group also got its own link on the school website and was permitted to run announcements in the school newsletter and leave notes for teachers and students, saying "you've been prayed for."
Now, it looks like the Tennessee court thinks the school was indeed crossing the line, and that Praying Parents can no longer be given preferential treatement over other organizations, and "that teachers and administrators could no longer wear "I Prayed" stickers at school". However, Judge Robert Echols did say that Praying Parents may still meet on school property "in the same manner as other groups" and can still be allowed to "distribute materials about its activities", as long as they are held to the same standards as other organizations.
Echols also say that any future fliers and signs from Praying Parents must include a disclaimer that the school district is not endorsing or sponsoring the group's events or activities.
Now, it looks like the Tennessee court thinks the school was indeed crossing the line, and that Praying Parents can no longer be given preferential treatement over other organizations, and "that teachers and administrators could no longer wear "I Prayed" stickers at school". However, Judge Robert Echols did say that Praying Parents may still meet on school property "in the same manner as other groups" and can still be allowed to "distribute materials about its activities", as long as they are held to the same standards as other organizations.
Echols also say that any future fliers and signs from Praying Parents must include a disclaimer that the school district is not endorsing or sponsoring the group's events or activities.
