controversy brewing in East Texas schools [View all]

[RussBLib]

This is right in my backyard, and I am a member of the Secular Humanist Society of East Texas, where one of the concerned parents posts regularly. She's pretty nervous about the backlash that is sure to come from the theists. I'm going to try my best to attend any rallies and support the objecting parents.

It concerns the principal of an elementary school reading Bible verses and scripture over the PA system every morning. Some parents are finally fed up, have had enough, and have contacted FFRF, among other groups. FFRF is wading into the conflict.

Keep an eye on this one:

Whole story here.

White Oak ISD responds to allegations from anti-religion foundation

WHITE OAK, TX (KLTV) - White Oak ISD is under fire after an anti-religion organization alleged that one of its campuses violated the Constitution.

The Freedom from Religion Foundation, a group that promotes non-theism and separation between religion and government, said it received a complaint from someone at White Oak High School that Principal Dan Noll was quoting Bible verses during the morning announcements.

Superintendent Michael Gilbert responded in a blog published Tuesday:

The residents were offended at the use of scripture, demanding that it be stopped and calling for disciplinary action against Mr. Noll. I am fully aware of the practice at the high school and will not pursue any action against our High School Principal or any other member of our faculty/staff concerning this issue.

The letter from the FFRF is not the first received by the district. They contacted us in the fall with concerns about the practices at our football games. I have responded in accordance with their stated concerns and we have moved on.

Let me be clear, this is an attempt to draw us into a contest of words for the sole purpose of giving the FFRF a large amount of free press/recognition that they and their very few members (1,200 in Texas) do not deserve. This group and others like it, are wanting us to provide them with negative quotes to use in the promotion of their agenda. We can and will make the adjustments needed to ensure our students experience a morally sound, positive character based education. There are a multitude of options to provide our students, faculty and staff the opportunity to express their First Amendment Rights as provided for in the United States Constitution. Let me also be clear that we have not (in my opinion) violated anyone's rights and/or subjected anyone to undue stress. Bible studies and scriptures are allowed in schools. The requirement is that the material be presented in a neutral manner. It is my position that we met that standard with the morning announcements.

My recommended response to the FFRF is, “I'm sorry you feel that way. I will be praying for you and your staff daily.”