The World’s Largest Coalition of Nontheists and Nontheist Communities!

My daughter's teacher tells the class to pray.

My 6 year old daughter's teacher tells the class to pray during the morning announcements. My daughter says they are told to put their heads down on their desk and pray for their families and friends. Considering she goes to public school, I am quite angry.

I decided my immediate approach will be to talk to the teacher about it but I don't know how to do it tactfully. Every time I think I do, I get pissed all over again. (I will NOT mention my personal beliefs because I feel they are irrelevant to the situation.) My boyfriend thinks I should use the approach of saying "I believe that prayer is a personal thing, and I don't believe that it's an appropriate activity for a public classroom of learning" or something like that. What do you guys think?

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by damian on May 24, 2010 at 7:12pm

I agree with a previous poster about the teacher being convinced that she is doing what's best for everyone. It's easy to say "stand up for your rights", but i'm in Louisiana, and i know about backlash. I wouldn't be surprised if this teacher made an example your daughter, because you brought this up; "Kids, we can't pray, all because of Keia". It's very overwhelming to be surrounded by ignorant people. A couple years back, I went to my nephew's football game, and a prayer was read over the speakers. I couldn't believe it. I was definitely alone in that situation. You definitely have to keep fighting the best way you know how. Don't let your mom poison your daughter's mind. My idea was to type a letter, and send it to the principal, but you said that she asked kids to pray. Unbelievable. I also agree with other posters about not approaching the teacher directly. That could turn out bad for you and your daughter. I know you're just concentrating on your daughter's education, and don't want to start anything, but you have have to fight this. It could be one of the best things you could teach your daughter.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by dolo724 on May 25, 2010 at 12:33am

It's probably late in the game, but I for one would like to know if you're doing okay since this started.
We lived in a small Colorado town and told a neighbor we were atheists (actually, she guessed it and we confirmed). not long after the other townsfolk began treating us differently, then the landlord gave us six-months notice to move. He knew the law enough to say that he was selling the place and wanted us gone before harvest, but that ended it for us.
If you can avoid exposure, remain anonymous. We count our ancestors as Northern European (pink skinned and blond); I cannot imagine being of color and dealing with this.
Whatever the outcome, best of luck!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Abnormal on May 25, 2010 at 3:44am

The answer is simple.

Behead your daughter's teacher.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Nicole on May 25, 2010 at 1:12pm

If the principal is now leading a campus-wide prayer request or whatever, you need to get the really big dogs involved. They are blatantly ignoring the law. Contact the ACLU as suggested previously. >.X

I went to a TX high school as well, and was surprised to hear prayers led at the football games.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Abnormal on May 26, 2010 at 10:27am

Well being more serious. Bringing this up reminds me of when I went to school in Louisiana and the teacher brought in this guy in a suit pulling red wagon full of tiny bibles. He said he was a member of the Gideon society and he proceeded to ask the class who believed in God. Needless to say all the kids raised their hand I remember I had to think about it because I didn't really believe in God and I was only in 4th grade and kids can be cruel. I ended up raising my hand. He handed everyone a copy of the bible.

The good news I got a bible and even tried reading, but that just helped cement my stance even than that bible is fucking boring and I just don't believe in God.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Olga Spelts (Human Bean) on June 5, 2010 at 4:18pm

I think you also have the law on your side. I would be very pissed as well and who hasnt been 'there' when youre about to explode at someones disregard for personal autonomy. You might want to go to the principal or school council as well to get back up. I hate how the Christian fundamentalists feel that they can simply disregard law and respect to students private beliefs to force their religion down innocent childrens throats.

This site says:
"The one place where prayer is not normally permitted is in the classroom itself when a class is in session. The latter would violate the principle of church-state separation which is defined by court interpretations of the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution"

http://www.religioustolerance.org/ps_pra9.htm

(you might be able to sue if the crazy fundie doesnt want to stop)

Maybe to add credence and leverage you can tape it? This can be valuable in court and as evidence to what the teacher is doing.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Olga Spelts (Human Bean) on June 5, 2010 at 6:35pm

"Kids, we can't pray, all because of Keia"

I think she can take further legal/policy action-especially if the principal hears about it. If it continues I think she can sue.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Audiodef on June 14, 2010 at 11:48am

This is a violation of the first amendment. Visit the school, talk to the principal, and tell him or her that unless this changes, you will take legal action.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Paul T. Bennethum on June 14, 2010 at 12:03pm

Unfortunately, this is how most religious people do things. I bet she even calls herself a christian. Meeting face to face might not be a good idea because folks like that will do their best to martyr themselves to make anyone that believes in something they don't look bad. Your daughter could become a target of holy wrath as well. You might have to just grin and bear it for the time being all things considered. I know that sucks but...