Posted on 02/22/2006 6:24:42 AM PST by Behind Liberal Lines
ST. PAUL, MINN--A publicly funded charter school is changing its art curriculum to avoid offending the religious sensibilities of its Muslim students.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that "ArtStart," a St. Paul-based nonprofit organization that provides art classes to the school was requested by the school to change its classes due to Muslim law:
[S]ome Muslims ...refrain from producing images of ordinary human beings and animals, citing Islamic teaching.[As a result] parents were...upset that their children were drawing figures [and] some pulled their children out of art class altogether.
[Executive Director Bill Wilson] then sat down with teacher and parent liaison Abdirahman Sheikh Omar Ahmad, who also is the imam at an Islamic center in Minneapolis, to work with ArtStart in determining how to meet state standards without running afoul of Muslim doctrine.
As a result of those meetings, the paper reports, the curriculum was revamped:
Out the window right away went masks, puppets and that classic of elementary school art class, the self-portrait, said Sara Langworthy, an artist with ArtStart. Revamping the curriculum "definitely requires stepping outside of the normal instincts that you fall back on," she said.In their place came nature scenes and geometric forms and patterns..... This week, the class was cutting out shapes to make into cardboard pouches. Another project involved taking photographs and mapping the neighborhood around the school.
The conversation about what is appropriate is still open.
Langworthy said she and fellow teacher Katie Tuma don't police what the students draw, but they do have conversations with students who are drawing figures to make sure it's really OK.
Second-grader Hawi Muhammed said her parents don't mind if she draws people once in a while, but "God doesn't like people to draw a lot," she said.
The curriculum applies to all elementary students regardless of religion.
It is unclear at this time whether the American Civil Liberties Union, which normally opposes the mixing of "church and state," will weigh in on the matter. However, in regard to schools teaching Judeo-Christian religionn, the ACLU has previously stated:
While people have a right to teach their religious beliefs to others in churches, mosques, synagogues and private schools, public schools should not be used by people to teach their personal religious beliefs to other people's children.
One art teacher at the school called the new curriculum "narrowing."
"But then within that, you can find the depth," she added.
This is the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen.
"God doesn't like people to draw a lot,"
Ya think God likes people to blow themselves up? ... and children, women etc... ? ?? ??? ??
Idiot Religion Alert!
"Second-grader Hawi Muhammed said her parents don't mind if she draws people once in a while, but "God doesn't like people to draw a lot," she said."
I guess next will go the music curriculum, because some muslims have decided that music is of the devil.
I teach drawing. The idea of not being allowed to draw animals or people is INCREDIBLY narrowing. These kids are being robbed.
I hope you're correct. But between public schools teaching Islam, the so-called "free press" censoring itself, and even our government selling its ports to Arab-controlled businesses, all in the name of "poltical correctness," I don't see where there are many battles left to fight.
I think some parents at the school should follow the Muslim lead and
start demanding the art museums in the area sanitize themselves
"so our neighbors won't be offended".
And also move to end any govenmental subsidies the art institutes receive.
That should stir the pot a bit.
Love to see where the ACLU comes down on the side of this one.
Although it's virtual an steel lock they will go with the censorship group.
To all on this thread:
BARF alert should attach to the source article at the "The St. Paul Pioneer Press"
link.
BUT, it is a MUST READ about how we are frogs in the slowly warming pot
and will eventually be saying; "We Are All Dhimmis Now".
Except for those of us who make the convenient conversion to Islam.
I'm waiting for the ACLU to demand an end to this restraint on expression.
I'm just looking for some consistency in that religion. LOL
You've got a long wait.
Some Muslims, citing Islamic teaching, believe the sun hides in a swamp at night. Perhaps we should make some changes in the science teaching curriculum?
Paint pictures of the so-called prophet.
As an amateur artist and doodling cartoonist, and arts devotee, I find this so outrageous I have no words for it!!!
Well, no UNOBSCENE words for it!!!
You think this is bad? Just wait 'til these muzzies find out we have cameras.
Remember though, this is a CHARTER school, not part of the regular system. At least here, many are run by people against public ed.
Way to stand up as I will in my own area.
I guess next will go the music curriculum, because some muslims have decided that music is of the devil.
Then next the PE program--too much leg showing.
Good grief...God doesn't want people to draw? So our children have to suffer?
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