Allow Students Their Religious Rights

According to the current law on religion in the public schools, "...when acting in their official capacities, teachers may not engage in religious activities with their students. However, teachers may engage in private religious activity in faculty lounges."

Under the subheading: Student Assignments and Religion, "Students may express their religious beliefs in the form of reports, homework and artwork, and such expressions are constitutionally protected.

Teachers may not reject or correct such submissions simply because they include a religious symbol or address religious themes. Likewise, teachers may not require students to modify, include or excise religious views in their assignments, if germane. These assignments should be judged by ordinary academic standards of substance, relevance, appearance and grammar."

In addition, "If a class assignment calls for an oral presentation on a subject of the student's choosing, and, for example, the student responds by conducting a religious service, the school has the right -- as well as the duty -- to prevent itself from being used as a church. Other students are not voluntarily in attendance and cannot be forced to become an unwilling congregation."

Finally, under the subheading: Excusal From Religiously-Objectionable Lessons, "Schools enjoy substantial discretion to excuse individual students from lessons which are objectionable to that student or to his or her parent on the basis of religion. Schools can exercise that authority in ways which would defuse many conflicts over curriculum content. If it is proved that particular lessons substantially burden a student's free exercise of religion and if the school cannot prove a compelling interest in requiring attendance the school would be legally required to excuse the student."

This experience quite painful and agonizing, however, I was able to experience a spiritual reaction in me that allowed me to prove to that I will not give in under pressure. As much as I want to be in this program, I must remain true to my faith and myself.

Although I may have received a failing grade for the LGBT church assignment, I believe that in the eye of God, I received an A for devotion and faithfulness under trial. My participation may not have been religious, but it was spiritual and I believe that should count for something.

Looking at the glass half full, I got to experience what it feels like to be discriminated against for my religious beliefs. As a result, I can better appreciate the pain other minority cultures may have felt when they are being discriminated against.

I respect and appreciate Argosy’s view and purpose on the matter. I simply wished that my view and purpose had received the same respect and appreciation.

Reference: http://www.aclu.org/religion-belief/joint-statement-current-law-religion-public-schools