UPDATE: Augusta Co. VA. much support for teacher in "Islamic calligraphy" issue

[underpants]

local paper January 7th 2016

Many express support for Islam assignment at meeting


FISHERSVILLE — A larger than normal — but perhaps less than expected — crowd filled the auditorium of Wilson Memorial High School on Thursday night under the watchful eyes of several sheriff’s deputies. It wasn't the official agenda, but the events that took place before schools closed for Christmas break that brought them to the meeting.

About 100 to 120 people came to the meeting to talk about the lesson. Some to question why the teacher gave the assignment, others to support her and express their appreciation for a teacher who gives students a comprehensive understanding of the world and its cultures and religions.


Aimee Zwart, an Augusta County parent, expressed her appreciation for the assignment and said she hopes the school board will consider expanding the curriculum at the middle and elementary schools to include more about world religions.

Of the 30 or so people who spoke to the board, including a number of high school students, a majority expressed their support for the teaching of world religions in Virginia public schools and for LaPorte, whose assignment has been at the center of this controversy.



Also local NBC station report

[LittleBlue]

1. Yeah right, misleading headline

They removed the shahada from the lesson because parents were overwhelmingly against it.

There is little to no support for reciting an Islamic religious declaration of faith. Organizing a few dozen people to cheer at a meeting 99% of the district didn't attend is misleading. Blatantly unconstitutional on top of being stupid.

[underpants]

2. Post from SUPPORT LAPPORT Facebook page

To those who came to Support Mrs.LaPorte, to those who watched with us in your hearts, to those who were unable to come but supported us through the page wherever you may be I want to say Thank you! To each and every 6,000+ who have continued to hold a place in your heart for Mrs.LaPorte, the faculty at RHS, Augusta County, and Education as a whole. I couldn't have asked for a better meeting, everyone, even those who may not have agreed showed dignity and respect to each others opinions. The School Board announced that they will NOT be removing any semblance of the Islamic culture from the curriculum (which truly they legally can't) as well as to respect others, have a different phrase for the next artistic calligraphy assignment. To me, I believe that is a great compromise. Those who spoke tonight, did so with eloquent words and of course our southern humor. I personally was beyond nervous and may not have hit everything I wanted to say, I stumbled through a little but my point still was made. If I could I would give each and every single one of y'all a HUGE hug. I hope that this is over, and the families that were upset over the assignment were satisfied with the compromise. I also hope that keeping this page up will remind people of the awful incident that happened to one teacher, and give a forum for educational purposes. I know Gabby Harlow and I are discussing which way to take the page as long as this whole ordeal is over with! Again, thank you all so much for every bit of support. p.s. I now plan on taking the petition to Mrs.LaPorte so she knows just how many people supported her!

[LittleBlue]

3. They're keeping the calligraphy but dumping the shahada

No more shahada

The county school system reacted.

It removed the shahada from world religion instruction. "A different, non-religious sample of Arabic calligraphy will be used in the future," it said.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/18/us/virginia-school-shut-islam-homework/

Calligraphy is fine, but forcing kids to write a religious declaration is not. Which is why it was removed last month.

[romanic]

4. Keep religion out of the schools!

Period. Islam, Christianity, etc...keep it out.