Religious Freedom??

[Dwight58]

This may not be quite on target with the original intent of this thread, but I thought it warranted being posted here.

Recently my 10 year old daughter who is in 4th grade in her school was walking between classes, and on the way to her locker to retrieve a text book for her next class she was vocalizing (out loud, but too herself), the old childrens hymn called "Jesus Loves Me". Another student heard her it and he took offense and reported her to the office. My daughter received an "office referral" that led to her being given "lunch detention".

My daughter came home that evening and was literally in tears because of what happened. She didn't understand why it was so wrong of her to vocalize "Jesus Loves Me" and even more so, she didn't understand why she was reprimanded for it.

I visited my daughters school to discuss what happened and I was told that "religious expressions" in school (and during school hours) are not tolerated and goes against school policy and procedure". I was also shown a section in the school handbook that spells out the schools policy and procedures regarding "religious expressions". I was even shown a section in the handbook that gives students the right to NOT recite the part of "The Pledge of Allegiance" where it says "One Nation under God" if they find it to be offensive.

I was told that expressing one's religious beliefs, faith, etc. could be offensive not only to other students but staff as well and that is why the school has policies against "religious expression".

In my opinion this is a horrible wrong and something that all Christians everywhere should be aware of.

What's even worse is, now I have to sit down and tell my 10 year old daughter that she has to exercise caution in school as to not offend anyone with her joy and love for God. I pray to our Precious Lord that I can explain it to her in a way that she will understand and I pray this doesn't diminish her joy for and in God. She isn't ashamed of God or her belief and faith in Him and I hope this won't be something that will change her mind and attitude about God neither.

Whatever happened to our "Religious Freedom" in the greatest Nation on the planet ~ The United States of America. Are we no longer protected under that right anymore? May God help us ALL!

God Bless,
~Dwight~

[Dan Johnson]

Hey Dwight. As I told you before this is very sad to see bro. I don't get how we are to tell kids they can't Jesus Loves Me. Ever. Let alone school, How this even offends anyone is beyond me.

I'm sharing this with as many as I can. This is beyond just our Freedom. This is our own Kids. They are taking our own kids rights away from us. This really ticks me off. Somehow we need to get people to stand up. This should never be.
If our own kids don't have any hope. Then who does.

I'm praying for you my friend. May God bless you
Dan

[Dwight58]

Thank You Dan. I appreciate all your support as well as your prayers in this matter. Please pray for my daughter as well because when I sat down and tried to explain to her that she has to be careful when, where and how she expresses herself in her love for Jesus, she teared up and even though I truly believe she understands, I know she was hurt by this. I have had to do some rather trying and emotionally difficult things in my life but I believe this has got to be one of the hardest yet. I choked up and had to hold back my own tears when she looked me in the eyes and said:

"Daddy, hows come some people don't love Jesus like I do?"

And she asked me why it was so wrong of her to have done what she did - and I didn't have a real good answer for her.

I can only imagine if this same kind of scenario may be playing out all across this great country of ours. I wonder how many other children are facing something similar and in saying that, we should also be in prayer for children all across America (and the world) because it would seem that our children and our children's children will be facing some troubling days ahead of them, because of their faith.

We need to be in prayer for all children everywhere and particularly right here in our very own United States of America.

Thanks again Dan,
God Bless you my friend and brother in Christ,
~Dwight~

[Dan Johnson]

I know what you mean man. Both of my daughters as they were younger used to be on fire for Jesus at school when they were younger. Though I had never heard them getting in trouble over it. They have told me several times how they are not allowed to talk about Jesus in school.

I have never told my children that they can't about Jesus, or even talk talk about Jesus. I have told them to speak  their minds when it comes to Jesus. I have told them. To Never let them try to take Jesus from you. Especially in school. They have freedom of speech in this country. If the school has problems with it? Then they are going to hear Jesus Christ being proclaimed more when I show up then they have ever heard in their entire carrier. lol And I am serious.

I'll go down their with signs, rally up some people and walk around the school for days if I have to. We have freedom of speech still. They will not take that away from them if I can help it.
Though I don't think my kids are as bold as I am. I have been saved from much. I know where I came from.

What is not ok is kids running around the school cussing every other word. Claim to be in gangs. Bullying and calling the other kids names. This happens everyday throughout America. But a child sings Jesus Loves me gets punished?

I don't think so. They are trying to push Christianity out of everything. Oh they might be offended. You can be offended just walking out your door to Wal mart. Kids are offended everyday when they go to school. If a kid can't Jesus Loves me In school,

That already OFFENDS ME!  This stuff needs to be put to an end. And they need to stop telling our kids what they can and cannot Believe in.

Sorry for the long comment. But this really does make me mad. This is a time where even our kids are going to have to be strong in Jesus! Though some choose to be quiet Others may not be able to contain it, or hold it back. Christ Love is strong even in Children.

We should NEVER have to tell them they can't to Him. Anywhere.!

God bless you bro. We need to Pray. Yes for all school and the kids who dwell in them. We also need to pray that they STOP teaching our kids LIES in the Schools.
Your a great guy Dwight. May God give you and all of us guidance in all this.
Dan

[Dan Johnson]

Hey Dwight, I wanted to post this on here that someone replied to on this post but have not joined it.

This is what they said.

The school's policies are in violation of our constitutional rights of religious freedom and freedom of speech. Prayer, song, or any other religious expression, if it is student-initiated and not done in a way that disrupts class time, is legal. The policies are an example of religious discrimination by a state-run institution. Please tell Dwight to contact alliancedefensefund.org. It is free legal counsel. His daughter will respect him for standing up for what is right, rather than feel like both she and her father are helpless victims. This kind of thing can cause a child so young to become depressed as a teen if something isn't done about it. So, I believe it is worth it to fight it. And you might want to tell Dwight to look into other forms of education, such as a charter school or home school, if possible. The state gets money for every child there. To remove her, would be to boycott their actions, and avoid future risks of getting into trouble. It is obvious what the administration and school board think of Christians already. I don't imagine things will get any easier for this girl if this is fought against and she stays there, but it's what I would do.

http://www.alliancedefensefund.org

She just got back with me again saying this. Hope it encourages you my friend.

I just heard on the radio that a teenage girl took her teacher to court for religious discrimination and won. It took six months, however. Now there are many complaining that the teacher kept his job. A student got what he said in class on tape via his cell phone and the judge ruled in the student's favor. I was immediately reminded of this incident. I hope all goes well. My prayers are Dwight's.


I have to say, I totally agree. Something needs to be done and fast.
God bless you man.
Dan