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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDon’t want to be hassled by creationist teacher? Give up Buddhism, Louisiana public school says
A public school in Louisiana allegedly advised a Buddhist family to change their beliefs if they didnt want their child to face harassment from zealous teachers.
The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Louisiana on Wednesday filed a federal lawsuit against Negreet High School in Sabine Parish on behalf of two parents, Scott and Sharon Lane, and their son, C.C. The lawsuit claims the school has a longstanding custom, policy, and practice of promoting and inculcating Christian beliefs, including the teaching of creationism.
Sixth-grade teacher Rita Roark has told her students that the universe was created by God about 6,000 years ago, and taught that both the Big Bang theory and evolution are false, according to the lawsuit. She told her students that if evolution was real, it would still be happening: Apes would be turning into humans today.
One test she gave to students asked: ISNT IT AMAZING WHAT THE _____________ HAS MADE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The correct answer was Lord, but C.C. wrote in something else. Roark responded by scolding the boy in front of the entire class.
When informed that C.C. was a Buddhist and therefore didnt believe in God, Roark allegedly responded, youre stupid if you dont believe in God.
On another accusation, she allegedly described both Buddhism and Hinduism as stupid.
When the outraged parents confronted Sabine Parish Superintendent Sara Ebarb about the incidents, she allegedly told them this is the Bible belt and that they shouldnt be offended to see God here. Ebarb advised that C.C. should either change his faith or be transferred to another District school where there are more Asians.
More at: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/01/23/dont-want-to-be-hassled-by-creationist-teacher-give-up-buddhism-louisiana-public-school-says/
Nay
(12,051 posts)can get a decent education.
TroglodyteScholar
(5,477 posts)...but I went to one of the better private schools in north LA about 25 years ago, and it was still as bible-thumping as they come. As of the 1980's, there was nothing but people who were going to drive religion into you. I guess the difference at my school was that there actually were Christians teaching there who believed in a lot of science that wasn't controversial then, but somehow is now.
SamKnause
(13,043 posts)of these religious fucknuts.
Creationism in public schools, using out tax dollars.
What a kick in the sack.
We need to up the intelligence factor, not continue on our terrifyingly quick descent.
SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE should be strictly adhered to in this country.
Unfortunately that shipped sailed long ago as have many others.
freshwest
(53,661 posts)PowerToThePeople
(9,610 posts)SamKnause
(13,043 posts)el_bryanto
(11,804 posts)It's multiple teachers the principal and the schoolboard.
Bryant
PowerToThePeople
(9,610 posts)el_bryanto
(11,804 posts)schools.
Bryant
sakabatou
(42,083 posts)nyquil_man
(1,443 posts)Jesus Quincy Adams.
hootinholler
(26,449 posts)Mine was Bell Laboratories, which according to the teacher is also wrong.
demwing
(16,916 posts)"ISN'T IT AMAZING WHAT THE Current President HAS MADE!!!"
Apparently, the teacher is a big Obamacare fan
Warren DeMontague
(80,708 posts)Officejet printer, perhaps?
chrisa
(4,524 posts)"Cthulu" would also be an acceptable answer.
Swede Atlanta
(3,596 posts)The very question on the test "Isn't it amazing what the _____ has made" is a form of establishment of religion. It pre-supposes that there is a existential being that created something. That conflicts with the rights of atheists and agnostics. And the student's answer of Lord Buddha is an honest answer based on his faith tradition. It is no more right or wrong than "God", Jehovah, Bal or whatever.
And the superintendent's comments that this is the Bible belt is no defense. Just because you hold those beliefs does not entitle you to force them on a student who has a constitutional right to be free of government establishment or as the SCOTUS has repeatedly stated promotes or is perceived as promoting a religion.
AlinPA
(15,071 posts)Wounded Bear
(58,442 posts)You misspelled "Baal." You got the rest right, though.
Xyzse
(8,217 posts)mrmpa
(4,033 posts)was taught creationism in my biology classes. Neither was I inundated by with pro-life BS. It was an all female school in the '70's. My Bio teacher was an African-American Nun from Louisiana, I wonder if she's still around and what she thinks about the goings on in her state.
In religion class, just once that I can recall, the Roe v Wade case was the subject of discussion. I offered my view that it was a good decision and I didn't see it as a problem. I was never chastised for this view, nor were my parents called. I was allowed to "think" and speak my "views".
Those days seem to be gone.
marew
(1,588 posts)Also never heard about 'creationism' and non-Catholics attended but were never hassled. Haven't been a Catholic for decades but have to credit where it is due.
mrmpa
(4,033 posts)I attended Catholic grade school, high school and college. One of my biggest problem with the Catholic Church is that they can educate through the Ph.D, Medical, and legal level, but when it comes to faith they treat adherents as children.
Did basically the same. Went to a small Jesuit college my freshman year but transferred to an excellent state university for the rest of my college career and was so glad I did. I do not disparage the Jesuit college at all- it was just time for me to "spread my wings" so to speak.
Bernardo de La Paz
(48,790 posts)TroglodyteScholar
(5,477 posts)So very intelligent, and so good at making his point in a way that hits home without being over-the-top.
I hope he lives forever.
DeschutesRiver
(2,354 posts)AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)Sorry, but... that's the truth. They should be seeking gainful employment somewhere else, not entrusted with the wellbeing/education of our children.
perdita9
(1,142 posts)Warpy
(110,913 posts)The kids have to put up with enough of it at home.
shenmue
(38,503 posts)Egalitarian Thug
(12,448 posts)Adrahil
(13,340 posts)grantcart
(53,061 posts)You are the Buddha.
Now watch the head explode.
Bonx
(2,041 posts)But nothing as bad as this.
W.J. McCabe
(74 posts)It's like a third world country down there.
Warren DeMontague
(80,708 posts)mike_c
(36,214 posts)I just sent them a donation too!
Beartracks
(12,761 posts)They fear what they don't understand. And this teacher CLEARLY does not even begin to understand what evolution is.
==========================
perdita9
(1,142 posts)Bet Ms. Bible Belt would have blamed MRSA on Satan.
RainDog
(28,784 posts)I hope she is fired.
I hope the school district is sued and, as part of the settlement, they have to hire teachers who actually understand science.
If you want to understand why so many people in the south vote for Republicans - this is why.
Because they are TOO FUCKING STUPID.
TroglodyteScholar
(5,477 posts)On top of that, in my 25 years down south I encountered a lot of otherwise very intelligent people who still nevertheless maintained some of the more nonsensical views generally associated with dumb hicks.
liberal_at_heart
(12,081 posts)Alkene
(752 posts)the sun, the moon, and the truth."
perdita9
(1,142 posts)When the topic of evolution came up, he defended it and the religious fanatic the district hired to teach Biology, not Theology, argued against it.
I had a meeting with the principal and asked just how seriously they took the standards based testing the district kept crowing about.
Conclusion: the district made her take down the bible verses and told her she was inviting a lawsuit with her positions in the classroom. Still, I'm angry my son's experience with Biology was ruined by an out and out crank.
Enthusiast
(50,983 posts)Spitfire of ATJ
(32,723 posts)Warpy
(110,913 posts)I agree with Gandhi, Christ was mostly an OK fellow but many of his followers are pure poison, especially in the south.
Lost_Count
(555 posts)Warpy
(110,913 posts)Do look up the word "many."
Heywood J
(2,515 posts)Gothmog
(144,005 posts)The school is basically handing the ACLU a great case.
flvegan
(64,389 posts)BTW, for stupid, Buddhism and Hinduism been 'round longer. Just sayin'...
And some, if not many, Buddhists believe in God. It's easier to live Christ's teachings as a Buddhist, sorry.
progressoid
(49,827 posts)El_Johns
(1,805 posts)chrisa
(4,524 posts)If you're going to attack evolution, at least don't totally fail in describing it correctly. Geez...
Oilwellian
(12,647 posts)I recently attended a funeral with a Baptist fundy preacher leading the service. At one point he said our cells totally regenerate every seven years, yet scientists can't explain why we grow old and die.