Schools and God

For many years now, God has been absent from public (a.k.a. "government") schools. Any teacher, administrator, or school board who dares to mention God in the classroom is inviting lawsuits from groups like the ACLU or Americans for Separation of Church and State.

The latest battle is being fought in Pennsylvania where the Dover Area School District is requiring intelligent design to be taught in science class. (Hat Tip: The Rooftop Blog, Spreading Understanding, (here also) and Framptonia).

Unfortunately, this is not the only example of animosity towards God in public schools. A California school district has told a history teacher that he cannot use the Declaration of Independence in his class because it refers to God.

An Ohio school district canceled a performance by a Christian rock band because there were concerns about religious music being played in public school. (Hat tip: David Limbaugh)

In Kirkland, Washington, a performance of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" that was to be presented on the campus of Lake Washington High School (by a private group, no less) was canceled by the principal of the school because he feared it would raise questions about the place of religion in public schools. (Hat Tip: The Rooftop Blog)

Perhaps the most ridiculous example of all: a school district in Texas banned the colors red and green from a "Winter Break Party" (you can't call it a Christmas party) and insisted that they only bring white plates and napkins. A group of outraged parents filed suit against the school system for "religious hostility". (Hat Tip: Spreading Understanding)

I wonder how many parents after hearing stories such as these will share the sentiments of Sir Winston Churchill:

“This is the sort of bloody nonsense up with which I will not put.”

(Thanks to Joe Carter at The Evangelical Outpost for the quote)