Unreasonable Faith has done a story this last week about the Indianapolis public school system adpoting a policy that prohibits the viewing of atheist websites, along with some other alternative spiritualities (one should note, that apparently it's okay to view websites on major religious doctrine). Currently the FFRF is fighting the issue and urging people to voice their concerns.
Voice your thoughts - particularly if you're a person of faith. Do you think it's okay for religious discrimination like this to occur in public schools?
This great nation was concieved under the doctrine that freedom of religious preference was not to be a factor. When the Declaration of Independence stated "One nation, under God" it did not say whom that god was. Most atheists have a deep belief in the nature of science. God being a figurehead for things came into existence. Who you choose[Buddha,Amon Ra,Krishna,Mohammad,Jesus, ...etc..or science] is not the concern of the schools. Thier concern should be to supply the informatoin so that you can make your own choice. Government cannot interfere in Religion. Read the Constitution.
I have no problem with people wanting to air their beliefs, but forcing them upon others - essentially what is happening here is indefensible if you believe in the principles of liberal democracy.
I hate IPS . Honestly, this doesn't surprise me at all - IPS is the owrst school system in the state. Trust me, I live there. Luckily, I don't go to an IPS school, I go to a fantastic public school, four-star
Not only is this unfair, it's unconstitutional and illegal. While the school that I attend does not allow you to view any sites but the ones specifically told to you by your teacher and I do not object to this policy(as school is a place to work), I find it extremely unfair that this should happen. And while prohibition of all religious websites would be OK, the fact that atheistic and other minority-belief websites would be banned whilst monotheistic websites allowed, is unconstitutional. Religion, as stated in the American Constitution, must be separated from state. And while I think that the "under God" thing is not a big deal(after all, even atheists could have some sort of belief or God; not necessarily a religious person, but a role model perhaps), I do find that restriction of our internet sites to prevent us from seeing sites of different beliefs is not only unfair and illegal(and should be stopped), but is actually snubbing us, as students(even religious ones), to learn(as that is our goal at school). After all, if we are not allowed at school to be exposed to other beliefs, then how will we learn about them? And if the school specifically blocks out that sort of thing, then the pupils attending will automatically have a lower standing for it. While I support the restriction of internet sites at school, I vehemently disagree with restricting one thing, and not another of the same category. It's like telling children you can study countries, and then telling them that they cannot view any Communist countries or ones that the U.S. is at war with. I am an agnostic, in case you were all wondering.
This is illegal due to the constitution stating freedom of religion which includes having no religion. I am a christian but I believe people have a right to their beliefs.
If there going to block one religion then they have to block them all. If there going to allow one religion then they have to allow them all. That's really the only fair way to do it.
after all, even atheists could have some sort of belief or God; not necessarily a religious person, but a role model perhaps
Having a role model doesn't really equal believing in a god. The very definition of atheist is not believing in a god.
Having a role model doesn't really equal believing in a god. The very definition of atheist is not believing in a god.
That's not what I meant, MGW. I know what the definition of an atheist is, I'm not stupid. What I'm saying is, they don't have to pitch such a stupid fit over two freaking words in the Pledge. Atheists can have a role model, which could take the place of God, not so much as a religious figure who will save you from damnation or anything, but a leader that they look up to. Not a God, but still enough to fill that gap, if they went personal with the thing, that is. Sorry. I really don't like being corrected.
Yes, it's unconstitutional, but atheists can be pretty rude in their websites (I've seen a lot.) None of us live in Indiana however so let's no fuss over it.
Yes, it's unconstitutional, but atheists can be pretty rude in their websites (I've seen a lot.) None of us live in Indiana however so let's no fuss over it.
How do you know none of us live in Indiana, just to poke holes? And besides, Christians can be pretty rude to atheists too. Just saying, the coin has two sides.
