(missouri) Legislation would clarify protection for religious groups, school activities

[Heddi]

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/k12_education/legislation-would-clarify-protection-for-religious-groups-school-activities/article_7af76a38-039a-11e7-8a92-a7ed5d80374d.html

JEFFERSON CITY — State Rep. Hannah Kelly wants to ensure that faith-based student organizations at universities and colleges are protected from discrimination.

Kelly, R-Mountain Grove, has proposed a bill that sets protective guidelines for those organizations. Currently, the U.S. Constitution and case law protect students' religious freedom in schools, but Kelly says she hopes to eliminate "gray areas" in the law.

The language of the bill, which was debated Tuesday evening in a House committee, states higher learning institutions have to recognize religious organizations and provide them with the same benefits that are available to other organizations.
..
I am concerned of a blanket statement that any religious belief, no matter how extreme or discriminatory, must be permitted on campus even if that means some pretty radical views," Carpenter said. "So you know, I think we can find a balance to protect religious freedom without saying that any and every religious belief is going to be protected without any safeguards for the university."

Kelly said the point and purpose of the bill was to set guidelines for the expression of religion on college campuses, not to promote discrimination.

Chuck Basye, R-Rocheport, said he thinks there are current university policies in place that would prevent groups from discriminating.
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The committee also discussed a second bill proposed by Kelly that would allow elementary and secondary schools to "educate students about the history of traditional winter and spring celebrations." The bill states that such "traditional" greetings as "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Hanukkah" would be allowed.

Kelly said the point of the legislation is to eliminate any gray areas in what school districts may do.

After the hearing, Basye said he has seen examples of why such legislation would be helpful.

"My wife works at a public school in Columbia, and several years ago they had a big issue with a Christmas tree, and I don't quite understand the issue," he said. "You know, it wasn't being forced on anybody, it just sat in the lobby. So they choose to not call it a Christmas tree."

[atreides1]

1. I see

So, by traditional do they mean Judeo-Christian, with no allowances for other religious beliefs?

"The committee also discussed a second bill proposed by Kelly that would allow elementary and secondary schools to "educate students about the history of traditional winter and spring celebrations." The bill states that such "traditional" greetings as "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Hanukkah" would be allowed."