- Housecall for Health: Workplace StressPosted 3 hours ago
- Deer Tick DangersPosted 2 days ago
- IRS Questioned Over Targeting ScandalPosted 3 days ago
- Midwest Gas Price SpikePosted 3 days ago
- FOX CountryPosted 3 days ago
- Life Expectancy RisesPosted 3 days ago
- David Beckham To Retire From SoccerPosted 3 days ago
- FOX in the Fast Lane: All-Star Race (Charlotte)Posted 3 days ago
Teachers Told Not to Bow Heads, Pray in Public
A Tennessee school district is under fire after a group of middle school football coaches were reprimanded for bowing their heads during a post-game prayer and teachers were warned to hide from students if they chose to pray during a nationally organized prayer event.
Follow Fox’s Todd Starnes on Twitter.
Sumner County school officials sent guidelines to staff members in advance of today’s “See You At the Pole” prayer event. Christian teenagers around the nation are gathering around their campus flag poles before class to pray for their schools, the nation and each other.
“When a teacher or administrator participates in events such as See You at the Pole, it is possible for a student to confuse a teacher or administrator’s personal speech with their official speech,” read a portion of the guidelines obtained by The Tennessean.
Teachers have not been banned from praying, but if they do – it must be done out of sight and earshot of students, the newspaper reported.
Sumner County school officials declined multiple requests for interviews.
“To tell the teachers that they cannot attend ‘See You At The Pole,’ which occurs before school hours, just doesn’t seem to be constitutional,” David Landrith, pastor of Long Hollow Baptist Church, wrote on his blog. “This is the United States of America.”
Landrith said he is a “pro-school” pastor and typically doesn’t get “fired-up” about politics. However, he decided to speak out once he began hearing reports that rights of Christian students and teachers have been under attack.
“Teachers have expressed to me that it is being communicated to them that they cannot do certain things: things like wear or display a cross, have a Bible on their desk in their office, have Scripture verses displayed in their personal work space, listen to Christian music in their office, or participate in a prayer at a Christian organization such as FCA or Bible study,” Landrith said.
He also alleged that one high school has forbidden students from handing out fliers about a Bible Study.
“You can’t ban people from practicing their faith in the marketplace – whether it’s a Muslim, Buddhist, or a Christian. Christianity should not be favored over other religions. However, Christians should have the same rights as everyone else.”
The prayer warning came just days after a group of football coaches at Westmoreland Middle were reprimanded after they joined their players for a student-led post-game prayer in the end zone.
The coaches were summoned to the principal’s office after someone witnessed the coaches bowing their heads – and notified school authorities.
“The idea that a coach or teacher cannot bow their head out of respect for student-led prayer is, quite frankly, ridiculous,” Landrith wrote.
However, an attorney for the school district told Fox News Radio there is not a ban on teachers or coaches bowing their heads.
“They were not told to not bow their heads,” David French, an attorney with the American Center for Law and Justice. “They were reminded that student-led events must remain student-led. Teachers cannot give the appearance of endorsing the student’s message.”
The school’s new policy prohibits staff members from engaging in “any conduct that creates an appearance of endorsement of the organization’s or club’s messages or ideas.”
The policy was written in response to a lawsuit filed last May by the American Civil Liberties Union, alleging the school district has endorsed Christianity and violated the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
The American Center for Law and Justice is representing the school district in the lawsuit. The ACLU declined to comment for this story.
“This whole tempest is the poisonous fruit of the ACLU tree,” French said, suggesting the school system is being especially cautious in light of the lawsuit. “It’s easy to imagine in a scenario where they are dealing with this incredibly aggressive attack from the ACLU that a public prayer would cause people to question it.”
The four coaches who bowed their heads were required to sign a letter stating that they understood the school’s policy. French said it was not a formal reprimand.
“There was no admonition against bowing,” he said. “They were asked to sign their understanding of school board policy regarding student participation.”
However, according to a copy of the letter obtained by Fox News Radio, the coaches were threatened with losing their positions of they violated the policy.
“If I fail to follow board policy, then I realize that I will not be allowed to serve as a coach,” the letter read.
So, are teachers and coaches allowed to simply bow their heads and join students in prayer?
“It’s a gray area,” French said. “It’s very contextual. With those guidelines in place, the staff members have to be cognizant of their surroundings and appearances and perceptions.”
The key, French said, is the student’s free speech rights.
“This is a policy that protects religious expression,” he said. “It doesn’t inhibit it.”
But that’s not how many Christians in the community feel about the rules.
“The House and Senate open with prayer,” he said. “The White House sponsors a National Day of Prayer,” Pastor Landrith said. “Good grief, even our presidents are sworn into office with their hands on a very visible Bible. But somehow in Sumner County our teachers cannot be a part of a student-led prayer effort?”
Louise
September 28, 2011 at 2:09 pm
If I were a teacher in that district, I would bow my head and I would pray regardless. Then if the "administrators" have something to say, I'd sue the heck out of them without a second thought. This is undue harrassment. You know, when judgement day comes, I will NOT be one of the folks trying to explain to God that I didn't want to stand up for Him because I was too afraid of offending the non-believers. That's going to be a BAAAD day for a lot of folks. He is always aware of what we say and do as well as what we don't say or do.
Russell Fontenot
September 28, 2011 at 2:12 pm
Does the TN State Constitution allow recall elections for School Board Officials? If yes, throw them out for allowing such events to occur. If not, start the campaign right now. Find qualified individuals willing to fight this intellectual trash. The current dummies holding office must know that their days are numbered unless policies are changed. "We the people" still rule this country.
MAM
September 28, 2011 at 2:16 pm
Dear Director Del Phillips:
I hope you have another career plan with these hard times upon us because you have made yourself an unpopular director for our school system (and maybe the majority of every one). We the people that are Christians WILL continue to pray to The One and Only God who even gives YOU the air YOU breathe and the nostrils to do it from. How dare you! This is America! Shame on you!!!
T. Reynolds
September 28, 2011 at 2:19 pm
Ever notice how involved the A.C.L.U gets when it comes to anything moral and decent with traditional values. Christianity is not only a faith but a morality code. Those that mock a morality code will stand for anything. "As for my house, we will serve the Lord". Hey ACLU, stick it where the sun don't shine. Come on Tennessee, grow a backbone and stand up for you beliefs…
Volunteer
September 28, 2011 at 2:20 pm
This country is going to record lows at a rapid pace and these communites need to rise up against this kind of behavior before we're all having to home school our kids to get them out of that environment. They took prayer out school, The Pledge of Allegiance, wanting to teach our kids gay education, rewriting the school books to force their beliefs. What next? Stand Up America.
cwgmpls
September 28, 2011 at 2:28 pm
So you're okay with a Muslim teacher leading your kid's public school class in daily prayers to Allah facing Mecca?
bdl1234
September 28, 2011 at 3:09 pm
It seems you are failing to distinguish the difference in this situation. It is unconstitutional to REQUIRE the practice of any specific religion in public schools.
But if a Muslim coach alone stops and turns east at prayer hour you can not reprimand him for it. Conversely, If he tells everyone around him to face east with him, this is a constitutional violation.
Bob in STL
September 28, 2011 at 2:29 pm
I don't get it. This wonderful country of ours, the most powerful democratic country, who rules by the majority, are allowing the majority to be penalized by the minority. If people are offended by prayer, then don't do it. It's their right. We are turning this country into something that is trying to be all things to everyone, at the sake of the majority. Don't get it. If you live in a Christian based community, you should be allowed to pray wherever you want. The people who aren't have the right not to particpate, but don't penalize those who do.
bdl1234
September 28, 2011 at 2:39 pm
The ACLU is the biggest hypocritical joke I have ever seen. The acronym should stand for the Anti Christian League Unlimited.
This was a clear constitutional violation of anyone practicing an unobtrusive faith based reverence in public.
If this had been a Muslim reprimanded or strong-armed, as those coaches were, for simply facing east at prayer hour, there would have been a backlash of biblical proportions from the ACLU.
I grew up and live in Sumner County. I am deeply ashamed at the cowardess and posterior lip locking behavior to the ACLU of our school administration.
I think someone should take a closer look at the school administrator who endorsed this blatantly unconstitutional policy.
Bob
September 28, 2011 at 2:47 pm
If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
—John 15:18
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. —Mark 13:13
"In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
Danny Nix
September 28, 2011 at 2:50 pm
Before God created fools, He created school boards for practice.
Mark Twain
Chuck
September 28, 2011 at 2:50 pm
Why was it OK for OBAMA to Bow to other country leaders?
P2BaCA
September 28, 2011 at 2:51 pm
And then these same ACLU advocates ask the question: " Why is American Public Education do so poorly these days?" and expects the government to do something about it.
Bob
September 28, 2011 at 2:52 pm
Please pray for the ACLU. They are soon to stand before Jesus Christ face to face and be held accountable for all the evil they have ever done. In their heart of hearts, all atheists know that one day they will stand naked before the bar of judgment and answer for every vicious and malicious word that has come out of their mouth. The demonic forces that inhabit the ACLU know that their time is short, and they are terrified. Pray for the ACLU that some honest souls among them may repent and be forgiven and find peace with God before it is forever too late. "The Coming King is at the door."
jeremiah
September 28, 2011 at 2:53 pm
If Christian teachers in the 50's had simply refused to obey the Supreme Courts unconstitutional ruling and kept praying in class, we would not have come to this state of affairs. It is time to simply ignore anti-christian demands.
doedoe
September 28, 2011 at 2:55 pm
if i belive in nothing iam an athiest, would not that be establishment. of religion. religion is a belief, so the gov. cannot rule either way!
Nathan Davis
September 28, 2011 at 2:59 pm
The Nation was founded as a "Christian Nation". There is no debate here. The only reason there is a debate because of the liberal progressive movement that has evolved in the last 40 years in this nation. It is this same movement that has led to majority of the National Deficit, the destruction of our public schools and the overall decay of our society.
melissatx
September 28, 2011 at 3:00 pm
NO one sheds their first amendment rights at the school house door. Sue. Now. The only thing these indoctrinators know is fear, lawsuits and indimidation. Give some back. Call the ACLJ and Jay Sekulow now.
stage9
September 28, 2011 at 3:02 pm
"In the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior (Jesus Christ). The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity." — John Quincy Adams (Sixth President of the United States; Diplomat; Secretary of State; U.S. Senator; US Representative)
The ruling by Sumner County School System is unconstitutional. They have overstepped the bounds of the 1st Amendment by prohibiting the "free exercise" of religion by the coaches.
Jerry G
September 28, 2011 at 3:03 pm
if they have a right NOT to pray and they do, then, WE should have the same right TO pray if we so choose without interference from them! This must be fought harder by more people. The squeaky wheel gets the grease…
mars
September 28, 2011 at 3:05 pm
how about each person sliently bows his head and says his own silent prayers to god…then everybody can do their own thing and still show respect towards others rights..
Jay D.
September 28, 2011 at 3:07 pm
100 years ago, our country hardly went over 20 MPH in a car. Look at the past 100 years of advancements and read Revelation in the Bible (you pick the version). You'll see that we are quickly moving into a time of persecution, radical change, and the beginning of the end. God is rocking this world right now, and he's going to turn it upside down, take His people with him, and leave the ones who did not choose Him to suffer. It's sad, but it's true. Get on board and realize that the time is drawing close to either chose eternal life, or just a few more (figuratively) here.
Nicole
September 28, 2011 at 3:09 pm
I understand that Westmoreland Middle School students were required to have their parents sign a permission slip to attend See You At The Pole. If they signed a permission slip, doesn't that seem like it is a school event? And then, wouldn't that violate the new school board policy?? Unbelievable. If I pray where you are and it offends you, then look the other way. I'll be through soon enough.
Chad
September 28, 2011 at 3:10 pm
The persecution is on the rise. Just make sure to remember that Jesus told us that the world would hate His followers. Remember also that he told us to love those who hate us and would despitefully use us.
mars
September 28, 2011 at 3:10 pm
gods name is ''JEHOVAH GOD'' most religions on earth will tell you this name..or yahway''' it is the oldest name back to hebrew writtens…
Minnesota Joe
September 28, 2011 at 3:11 pm
This seems like the new "don't ask, don't tell" policy, but directed at people who want to say a quiet prayer.
sunshine1
September 28, 2011 at 3:14 pm
I think the christain teachers and coaches should have a sit in until their rights are reinstated. Excuse me this country was started by christians for christian Liberties. I say end the public school system!
Dawg
September 28, 2011 at 3:14 pm
It amazes me that the establishment is so afraid of Jesus.
Kerry
September 28, 2011 at 3:14 pm
Our country was founded on Christian beliefs and freedom of religion. We need to keep pushing back against these ultra liberal groups like the ACLU.
Roache
September 28, 2011 at 3:14 pm
May GOD have mercy on us! I never thought I would live to see the
time when prayer to our HEAVENLY FATHER would be wrong in the eyes of our government. The power of prayer
is greater power than any air power man can ever come up with.
concerned citizen
September 28, 2011 at 3:14 pm
The Establishment Clause is designed to keep religions from using the force of government to impose their beliefs. That's not the case in this situation–these are people have come of their own free wills to pray or bow their heads. It's not as if the school is saying "everyone who goes here needs to be a Christian." There's no imposition.
These teachers might be school represenative's, but does their position exclude them from exercising their constitutional rights? I don't think so. The Establishment Clause doesn't mean absence of religion in government institutions; it simply means religion cannot have the force of law. The ACLU kindly (or rather unkindly) forgets the Free-Exercise Clause of the First Amendment: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion (Establishment Clause) or PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THEREOF (Free-Exercise Clause). Teachers, students, citizens–feel free to exercise your faith, even in public (schools).
alwaysright41
September 28, 2011 at 3:16 pm
Who was the person or persons that complained? Who was that offended, that they made an official complaint to the school? What weak ridiculous people. Was anyone made to pray? Or were they offended that others were praying. What a joke. We need to end all extra-curricular activities sponsored by public schools and let the students go off campus and meet in groups and pray all they want.
ascetic
September 28, 2011 at 3:16 pm
Interesting to note that many the anti-Christian comments I've read hear are traceable to openly homosexual writers….what a shock!
alwaysright41
September 28, 2011 at 3:17 pm
These liberal progressives are just going to cause a resurgence or morality in this country when they keep showing their rear-ends.
alwaysright41
September 28, 2011 at 3:21 pm
Christian white males(except the obese ones)are in the crosshairs of all that is liberal. Everyone else fits into at least one of their protected groups.
rocky
September 28, 2011 at 3:22 pm
are we really that sensative? separation of church and state is so misunderstood. we can, and should, pray whereever and whenever the mood strikes us without some nitwit claiming he's offended by it.
Ian
September 28, 2011 at 3:23 pm
those same liberals would never dare tell teachers to hide from students if homosexuality was the issue-
I'm getting so tired of these libs
John
September 28, 2011 at 3:31 pm
Just tell the Tennesse political crowd you will see them at the election poles vote them out. If any other religion like putting a shoe cleaning rug down and praying is this not a violation of the same law, ill bet if you go down to the local mall at the right time the gold sellers will be on a shoe cleaner.
Joe
September 28, 2011 at 3:33 pm
America… time to pick up arms and free yourself from persecutions!
kmarie
September 28, 2011 at 3:35 pm
I am a high school teacher and coach and even though I don't follow any particular religious faith, I do believe in a higher power. I currently pray with my athletes pre and post game and will continue to do so. If we don't stand up to this, where will it stop. Will they penalize teachers for going to church services, etc..
seaarrow
September 28, 2011 at 3:37 pm
Some people just don't get it. No one is establishing a religion the are exercising their free speech rights. Just as long as they don't make you pray, why do you care?
gala
September 28, 2011 at 3:37 pm
It is sad, sad times when a country founded on "Freedom of Religion" , and those living in that country can not even participate in "Freedom of Religion"!!! I'm quite sure that if a homosexual group were to have a "Meet You At The Pole" and teachers were to show up for that, NOTHING would have been said. It would have been their "right" to attend according to the ACLU. It is time we stood up and say" NO MORE"….
KaPueo
September 28, 2011 at 3:38 pm
When are you dolts going to get it through your head that being a Christian is illegal in this country. I guarantee that if you face Mecca and kneel on a prayer rug, that will be OK.
AngusJames
September 28, 2011 at 3:39 pm
As an athiest teacher in a public school…I have a problem with this. As long as the coaches aren't LEADING the prayer, all they are doing is being respectful. The ACLU and too many of the 'Angry Athiests' as I call them think Freedom of Religion means Freedom FROM Religion, and that's just not the case. I am at plenty of events where prayers regularly occur…school, sporting events, military events, etc. and there is nothing wrong with being respectful. This isn't my tacit agreement with their system of belief, it's respect for my fellow citizens who wish to practice their protected right of free speech. Until they start to force someone to pray, there is no foul here!
MAM
September 28, 2011 at 3:39 pm
I suggest the "rules" say that anyone is welcome (FREE – as in FREEDOM) to start and/or attend any religious group that applies ONLY to their beliefs or likeminded views to avoid causing friction and/or discrimination against others and is not in any way a physical harm to others. Please! This is getting ridiculous!!!
Trudy
September 28, 2011 at 3:43 pm
It amazes me how so many other groups in America can pray or worship their gods but we can't worship out God, Jesus Christ. People can go to games and concerts and yell and scream and we don't say anything to them but they come against us Christains. God is still on his throne. We are living in the last days. Wake everyone, Jesus is coming soon and he is at the door. May all those who stand for Jesus Christ stand for him. Let us bind together. It is God's battle and he will come with flaming fire and judge those who do not love him or live for him. Teachers stand up for what you believe in and don't back down. The battle is the Lords. Watch him show his salvation.. We need to pray like we have never prayed before. Jesus please fight for these teachers. The bible says no weapon that is formed against me will not prosper. God is for us….. Stand strong….
Enough is enough
September 28, 2011 at 3:45 pm
"Students will be confused"? What the…? These kids aren't stupid. They will see teachers praying and think they were exercising free speech at the worst. The teachers weren't directing their speech at the students and since when is a peaceful show of "solidarity" forbidden in this country?
Shawn
September 28, 2011 at 3:46 pm
I'm not a religious person of any sort, but if I was, and a teacher, I would so totally ignore such heavy-handed nonsense.
Democrats, you have become clinically insane in the practice of YOUR OWN religion, that of "progressivism."
TNTMOM
September 28, 2011 at 3:49 pm
This is the same mentality that got the US where it is today. We'll fix everything by banning religion. How's that working for ya? Then you say that students aren't smart enough to differentiate what the teachers teach in class, from what students see teachers doing on their own time (praying). So teachers must do this in private, in a closet? If the students are that dumb maybe the ACLU should donate more money to education instead of trying to bog the courts down with frivilous lawsuits on innocent people. The ACLU is the second worst organization ever, right behind the Man/Boy Love Association or whatever the perverts call themselves. Instead of banning parasites that corrupt society we violate peoples right to worship because someone might see them and ask about God? Ask me about my God I'm happy to talk to you and tell you the wonderful news about how this life is only temporary, there's so much more waiting…<3
Chris
September 28, 2011 at 3:51 pm
I for one do not have a whole lot of faith in any religion, probably due to my lack of knowledge in the areas of religion, but I am in no way offended when I see people pray, regardless of the religion or God they are praying to. I think people need to toughen up and not be offended so easily when they see something they don't agree with. About the only thing that offends me is when people are offended by anything they don't agree with.
test
September 28, 2011 at 3:54 pm
..