A mother has sparked a
huge debate after posting a story on Facebook. The California mother was
shocked when she discovered what her son’s seventh grade teacher had given him.
Now people are arguing about who was in the wrong in this situation, the mother
or the teacher.
When Tara Cali of
Bakersfield opened her 7th grader’s history textbook, she was shocked to
discover that the entire lesson was about Islamic beliefs and prayer. The
assignment included a code that student could scan with their phone to listen
to an actual Muslim prayer. Tara was upset by what she considered to be
indoctrination, and sent something back to the teacher.
Tara took her son’s
assignment and sent it back to the teacher with a message. Tara was outraged
and she posted a picture of the workbook that she had written in on
Facebook. In the workbook, Tara wrote that she would not allow her son to be
involved with the assignment in any way.
“My son WILL not be a part of
this in any sort of way. This is bad teaching material. He will NOT
partake, If you have a problem with it, call our lawyer.
Tara went on to list
several verses from the Bible to drive her point home.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, while it is constitutional for
public schools to teach their students about religion, it is not constitutional
for them to “advance particular religious beliefs.” The ACLU goes on to state
the guidelines to teaching religion in school.
“The school’s approach to
religion is academic, not devotional.”
It also clarified the
rules on content.
“The school may strive for
student awareness of religions, but should not press for student acceptance of
any religion.”
And the specifics about
studying versus practicing religion.
“The school may sponsor study
about religion, but may not sponsor the practice of religion.”
And no single religion
can be singled out.
“The school may educate about all
religions, but may not promote or denigrate any religion.”
So who was in the wrong
here? The answer to that question is entirely different depending on who you
ask. If you’re like Tara, you believe that children should not be taught about
Islam in school. Critics of Tara’s message have said she might be
misinterpreting a history lesson for an attempt at religious conversion. What
do you think?
Sources: ACLU, Mad World News, FOX 5 / Fox5NY.com
[H/T:gotumble.com]