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A child goes to school and pulls out his favorite book to read during reading time. Because his selection is the Bible, he is subjected to the humiliation of being told he cannot read the Bible at school. He is allowed to read books like Harry Potter which promote witch-craft and magic; He is allowed to read books that promote homosexuality as just another choice; He is allowed to read pretty much anything else, but he is not allowed to read the Bible just because he has walked inside the walls of the school.

Under the mantra of separation of church and state' (not in the constitution by the way) a few have decided that there should not be anything at all religious within the (used-to-be) hallowed walls of the classroom. Of course this really means no evidence of Christianity because the religion of evolutionism' and liberalism' and sex-orientation ed' and more religions' are allowed to flourish. This has gone too far.

Citizenlink.org, a family friendly organization dedicated to presenting the truth, has reported this story. Rhajheem Haymon, a third grader living outside Chicago, was told he cannot read his Bible at school during his reading time. Justifiably outraged, Rhajheem's father called the Thomas More Law Center. The TMLC, an advocate for those whose religious freedoms are being attacked, wrote the school reminding them that "the U.S. Supreme Court and the Department of Education have assured that students are free to express their religious views while at school, a freedom that includes a student's choice to read religious materials."

People have been hearing the separation of church and state' and various other mantras for so long they have begun to believe them without checking out the legalities of a matter. The school replied to the letter and conceded that Rhajheem and other students, who wish to in the future, will be allowed to read the Bible in the classroom.

Students should not be told they cannot read their Bible or other religious materials in the classroom (during appropriate times, i.e. not during other class work). Even teachers should be allowed to read what they wish during down time or free time during school. It seems some people have been so eager to remove any trace of Christianity in particular from the education system, even though it was founded by Christians, that they are pushing the boundaries every day.

It is important for parents, students, teachers, administrators and others to realize that their religious rights are under attack. They also need to realize that they do have rights and they have resources when they are attacked. The Thomas Moore Law Center as well as The American Center of Law and Justice are two of several groups that will help people involved in religious discrimination. If we do not want our religious freedoms eroded to the point of no return, we need to stand up and let our voice be heard. It is tough enough in this world where homosexuality is embraced and Christianity is attacked, without allowing it to continue unhindered. You and your child have rights, even in the classroom, and you too can make a difference by asserting and standing up for your own religious rights and freedoms.

Thomas More Law Center: http://www.thomasmore.org/
Amer ican Center for Law and Justice: http://www.aclj.org/
Article Resource: http://www.citizenlink.org/CLB riefs/A000005111.cfm

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