School District Sued for Listing Religious Activities as One of ‘40 Developmental Assets’
Church and State
Now if I or this blog had any ties to the U.S. government or the country’s educational system, and I wrote, ”Hey buddy, you may want to try a church or something, ” that would get me in the crosshairs of the Freedom from Religion Foundation.
Can you imagine anyone taking offense to what one person or institution makes as a suggestion to help improve someone’s life? I personally dislike anyone rushing to judgement on anyone and saying, “Hey, you should go see a shrink!” But, at least, I more than likely would take that as an honest effort from someone trying to help someone.
These separation from church and state people are relentless!
This from the Rocky Mountain News:
Suggesting church for students gets district sued
By SARA BURNETTCHERRY CREEK, Colo. — The Freedom from Religion Foundation has filed a federal lawsuit against Cherry Creek Schools, saying a project aimed at helping students reach their full potential illegally encourages going to church.
The complaint, filed on behalf of two parents who have children in Cherry Creek schools, accuses the district of violating laws regarding the separation of church and state.
Tustin Amole, spokeswoman for the district, said Tuesday the district is confident the project is not illegal because it does not mandate participation in any religious activity.
Known as the 40 Developmental Assets, the project is promoted as a way to help students grow into “responsible, confident and healthy young people,” according to a newsletter sent to parents.
Among the assets is having family support and telling the truth, “even when it’s not easy.”
Recommendation number 19 is “religious community.” It suggests young people spend time each week in activities at a religious institution.
The project, which is used nationally, has been in the Cherry Creek district for 18 years, -Amole said.
The complaint asks the court to order the district to stop endorsing Developmental Asset 19. It does not specifically seek damages, but asks for any other relief the court deems proper.
Update:
This from TheDenverChannel.com (ABC 7):
Number 19 of the program suggests young adults spend one or more hours per week in activities in a religious institution.
“To us that means go to church once a week,” said Bob Tiernan, with the Freedom from Religion Foundation. “And we object to it on the basis that this is the government, the public school system telling the students that they should go to church once a week.”
“They felt the school district was saying their children really aren’t good citizens because they don’t go to church once a week,” said Tiernan. “They felt left out, alienated by the school system. That is why we brought the lawsuit.”
A flyer obtained by 7News showed the district has 5 “parenting workshops” scheduled in the upcoming weeks to teach parents about the 40 Developmental Assets.
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